Systems and methods for improved communication efficiency in wireless networks

ABSTRACT

Methods and apparatus for providing wireless messages according to various tone plans can include a method of wireless communication. The method includes allocating a first allocation unit associated with a first tone plan having a first number of tones, for communication of one or more wireless messages by a wireless device. The method further includes allocating a second allocation unit, associated with a second tone plan having a second number of tones different from the first number of tones, for communication of one or more wireless messages by the wireless device. The method further includes selecting a combined tone plan for the wireless device based on at least the first tone plan and the second tone plan. The method further includes providing a wireless message for transmission by the wireless device according to the combined tone plan.

PRIORITY CLAIM

This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. §119(e) to U.S. Provisional App. No. 62/037,542, filed Aug. 14, 2014; U.S. Provisional App. No. 62/039,832, filed Aug. 20, 2014; and U.S. Provisional App. No. 62/067,357, filed Oct. 22, 2014; each of which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

FIELD

Certain aspects of the present disclosure generally relate to wireless communications, and more particularly, to methods and apparatuses for providing messages according to various tone plans.

BACKGROUND

In many telecommunication systems, communications networks are used to exchange messages among several interacting spatially-separated devices. Networks can be classified according to geographic scope, which could be, for example, a metropolitan area, a local area, or a personal area. Such networks can be designated respectively as a wide area network (WAN), metropolitan area network (MAN), local area network (LAN), or personal area network (PAN). Networks also differ according to the switching/routing technique used to interconnect the various network nodes and devices (e.g., circuit switching vs. packet switching), the type of physical media employed for transmission (e.g., wired vs. wireless), and the set of communication protocols used (e.g., Internet protocol suite, SONET (Synchronous Optical Networking), Ethernet, etc.).

Wireless networks are often preferred when the network elements are mobile and thus have dynamic connectivity needs, or if the network architecture is formed in an ad hoc, rather than fixed, topology. Wireless networks employ intangible physical media in an unguided propagation mode using electromagnetic waves in the radio, microwave, infrared, optical, etc. frequency bands. Wireless networks advantageously facilitate user mobility and rapid field deployment when compared to fixed wired networks.

The devices in a wireless network can transmit/receive information between each other. Device transmissions can interfere with each other, and certain transmissions can selectively block other transmissions. Where many devices share a communication network, congestion and inefficient link usage can result. As such, systems, methods, and non-transitory computer-readable media are needed for improving communication efficiency in wireless networks.

SUMMARY

Various implementations of systems, methods and devices within the scope of the appended claims each have several aspects, no single one of which is solely responsible for the desirable attributes described herein. Without limiting the scope of the appended claims, some prominent features are described herein.

One aspect of the present disclosure provides a method of wireless communication. The method includes allocating a first allocation unit associated with a first tone plan having a first number of tones, for communication of one or more wireless messages by a wireless device. The method further includes allocating a second allocation unit, associated with a second tone plan having a second number of tones different from the first number of tones, for communication of one or more wireless messages by the wireless device. The method further includes selecting a combined tone plan for the wireless device based on at least the first tone plan and the second tone plan. The method further includes providing a wireless message for transmission by the wireless device according to the combined tone plan.

In various embodiments, the method can further include allocating a third allocation unit, associated with a third tone plan, for communication of one or more wireless messages by the wireless device. Selecting the combined tone plan can be further based on the third tone plan.

In various embodiments, the first allocation unit has one of 24, 48, 102, 234, 468, or 980 data tones, and the second allocation unit has one of 24, 48, 102, 234, 468, or 980 data tones. In various embodiments, the first allocation unit has one of 26, 52, 106, 242, 484, or 996 total tones, and the second allocation unit has one of 26, 52, 106, 242, 484, or 996 total tones.

In various embodiments, selecting the combined tone plan can include selecting a combination of two or more 26-, 52-, 106-, 242-, 484-, and 996-tone allocation units. Selecting the combined tone plan can further include selecting a tone plan having one of 150, 282, 336, 516, 570, 702, 1028, 1082, 1214, 1448, or 1682 data tones as the combined tone plan based on the selected combination.

In various embodiments, selecting the combined tone plan can include selecting at least one of: a tone plan having 150 data tones based on a 52-tone allocation unit combined with a 106-tone allocation unit, a tone plan having 282 data tones based on a 52-tone allocation unit combined with a 242-tone allocation unit, a tone plan having 336 data tones based on a 106-tone allocation unit combined with a 242-tone allocation unit, a tone plan having 516 data tones based on a 52-tone allocation unit combined with a 484-tone allocation unit, a tone plan having 570 data tones based on a 106-tone allocation unit combined with a 484-tone allocation unit, a tone plan having 702 data tones based on a 242-tone allocation unit combined with a 484-tone allocation unit, a tone plan having 1028 data tones based on a 52-tone allocation unit combined with a 996-tone allocation unit, a tone plan having 1082 data tones based on a 106-tone allocation unit combined with a 996-tone allocation unit, a tone plan having 1214 data tones based on a 242-tone allocation unit combined with a 996-tone allocation unit, a tone plan having 1448 data tones based on a 484-tone allocation unit combined with a 996-tone allocation unit, or a tone plan having 1682 data tones based on a 242-tone allocation unit combined with a 484-tone allocation unit and a 996-tone allocation unit.

In various embodiments, providing the wireless message for transmission can include providing the wireless message for transmission over one of a 15 MHz, 25 MHz, 30 MHz, 45 MHz, 50 MHz, 60 MHz, 85 MHz, 90 MHz, 100 MHz, 120 MHz, or 140 MHz channel according to one of 192-, 320-, 384-, 576-, 640-, 768-, 1088, 1152-, 1280-, 1536-, or 1792-tone plan.

In various embodiments, providing the wireless message for transmission can include separately encoding and/or interleaving data over the first allocation unit and the second allocation unit according to the first tone plan and the second tone plan. In various embodiments, providing the wireless message for transmission can include jointly encoding data, over both the first allocation unit and the second allocation unit allocated to one user, according to an associated tone plan, and independently interleaving the first allocation unit and the second allocation unit.

In various embodiments, selecting the combined tone plan can include forming the combined tone plan by setting a number of data tones to a sum of all data tones included in the first allocation unit, the second allocation unit, and any other allocation units allocated to the wireless device, setting a number of pilot tones to a sum of all pilot tones included in the first allocation unit, the second allocation unit, and any other allocation units allocated to the wireless device, and separately encoding and/or interleaving the first allocation unit and the second allocation unit according to a binary convolution code interleaving depth (NCOL) and low-density parity check tone mapping distance (DTM).

In various embodiments, selecting the combined tone plan can include forming the combined tone plan by setting a number of data tones to a sum of all data tones included in the first allocation unit, the second allocation unit, and any other allocation units allocated to the wireless device, setting a number of pilot tones to a sum of all pilot tones included in the first allocation unit, the second allocation unit, and any other allocation units allocated to the wireless device, and jointly encoding and interleaving over the first allocation unit, the second allocation unit, and any other allocation units allocated to the wireless device.

In various embodiments, the wireless device can include an access point, and wherein providing the wireless message for transmission includes transmitting the wireless message through a transmitter and an antenna of the access point to a mobile station served by the access point. In various embodiments, the wireless device can include a mobile station, and providing the wireless message for transmission includes transmitting the message through a transmitter and an antenna of the mobile station to an access point serving the mobile station.

Another aspect provides an apparatus configured to wirelessly communicate. The apparatus includes a memory that stores instructions. The apparatus further includes a processing system coupled with the memory and configured to execute the instructions to allocate a first allocation unit associated with a first tone plan having a first number of tones, for communication of one or more wireless messages by a wireless device. The processing system is further configured to allocate a second allocation unit, associated with a second tone plan having a second number of tones different from the first number of tones, for communication of one or more wireless messages by the wireless device. The processing system is further configured to select a combined tone plan for the wireless device based on at least the first tone plan and the second tone plan. The processing system is further configured to provide a wireless message for transmission by the wireless device according to the combined tone plan.

In various embodiments, the processing system can be further configured to allocate a third allocation unit, associated with a third tone plan, for communication of one or more wireless messages by the wireless device. The processing system can be configured to select the combined tone plan is further based on the third tone plan.

In various embodiments, the first allocation unit has one of 24, 48, 102, 234, 468, or 980 data tones, and the second allocation unit has one of 24, 48, 102, 234, 468, or 980 data tones. In various embodiments, the first allocation unit has one of 26, 52, 106, 242, 484, or 996 total tones, and the second allocation unit has one of 26, 52, 106, 242, 484, or 996 total tones.

In various embodiments, the processing system can be configured to select the combined tone plan by selecting a combination of two or more 26-, 52-, 106-, 242-, 484-, and 996-tone allocation units, and selecting a tone plan having one of 150, 282, 336, 516, 570, 702, 1028, 1082, 1214, 1448, or 1682 data tones as the combined tone plan based on the selected combination.

In various embodiments, the processing system can be configured to select the combined tone plan by selecting at least one of: a tone plan having 150 data tones based on a 52-tone allocation unit combined with a 106-tone allocation unit, a tone plan having 282 data tones based on a 52-tone allocation unit combined with a 242-tone allocation unit, a tone plan having 336 data tones based on a 106-tone allocation unit combined with a 242-tone allocation unit, a tone plan having 516 data tones based on a 52-tone allocation unit combined with a 484-tone allocation unit, a tone plan having 570 data tones based on a 106-tone allocation unit combined with a 484-tone allocation unit, a tone plan having 702 data tones based on a 242-tone allocation unit combined with a 484-tone allocation unit, a tone plan having 1028 data tones based on a 52-tone allocation unit combined with a 996-tone allocation unit, a tone plan having 1082 data tones based on a 106-tone allocation unit combined with a 996-tone allocation unit, a tone plan having 1214 data tones based on a 242-tone allocation unit combined with a 996-tone allocation unit, a tone plan having 1448 data tones based on a 484-tone allocation unit combined with a 996-tone allocation unit, or a tone plan having 1682 data tones based on a 242-tone allocation unit combined with a 484-tone allocation unit and a 996-tone allocation unit.

In various embodiments, providing the wireless message for transmission can include providing the wireless message for transmission over one of a 15 MHz, 25 MHz, 30 MHz, 45 MHz, 50 MHz, 60 MHz, 85 MHz, 90 MHz, 100 MHz, 120 MHz, or 140 MHz channel according to one of 192-, 320-, 384-, 576-, 640-, 768-, 1088, 1152-, 1280-, 1536-, or 1792-tone plan.

In various embodiments, the processing system can be configured to provide the wireless message for transmission by separately encoding and/or interleaving data over the first allocation unit and the second allocation unit according to the first tone plan and the second tone plan. In various embodiments,

In various embodiments, the processing system can be configured to provide the wireless message for transmission by jointly encoding data, over both the first allocation unit and the second allocation unit allocated to one user, according to an associated tone plan, and independently interleaving the first allocation unit and the second allocation unit.

In various embodiments, the processing system can be configured to select the combined tone plan by forming the combined tone plan by setting a number of data tones to a sum of all data tones included in the first allocation unit, the second allocation unit, and any other allocation units allocated to the wireless device, setting a number of pilot tones to a sum of all pilot tones included in the first allocation unit, the second allocation unit, and any other allocation units allocated to the wireless device, and separately encoding and/or interleaving the first allocation unit and the second allocation unit according to a binary convolution code interleaving depth (NCOL) and low-density parity check tone mapping distance (DTM).

In various embodiments, the processing system can be configured to select the combined tone plan by forming the combined tone plan by setting a number of data tones to a sum of all data tones included in the first allocation unit, the second allocation unit, and any other allocation units allocated to the wireless device, setting a number of pilot tones to a sum of all pilot tones included in the first allocation unit, the second allocation unit, and any other allocation units allocated to the wireless device, and jointly encoding and interleaving over the first allocation unit, the second allocation unit, and any other allocation units allocated to the wireless device.

In various embodiments, the apparatus can include an access point. The apparatus can further include a transmitter and an antenna configured to transmit the wireless message to a mobile station served by the access point. In various embodiments, the apparatus can include a mobile station. The apparatus can further include a transmitter and an antenna configured to transmit the wireless message to an access point serving the mobile station

Another aspect provides another apparatus for wireless communication. The apparatus includes means for allocating a first allocation unit associated with a first tone plan having a first number of tones, for communication of one or more wireless messages by a wireless device. The apparatus further includes means for allocating a second allocation unit, associated with a second tone plan having a second number of tones different from the first number of tones, for communication of one or more wireless messages by the wireless device. The apparatus further includes means for selecting a combined tone plan for the wireless device based on at least the first tone plan and the second tone plan. The apparatus further includes means for providing a wireless message for transmission by the wireless device according to the combined tone plan.

In various embodiments, the apparatus can further include means for allocating a third allocation unit, associated with a third tone plan, for communication of one or more wireless messages by the wireless device. Selecting the combined tone plan can be further based on the third tone plan.

In various embodiments, the first allocation unit has one of 24, 48, 102, 234, 468, or 980 data tones, and the second allocation unit has one of 24, 48, 102, 234, 468, or 980 data tones. In various embodiments, the first allocation unit has one of 26, 52, 106, 242, 484, or 996 total tones, and the second allocation unit has one of 26, 52, 106, 242, 484, or 996 total tones.

In various embodiments, means for selecting the combined tone plan can include means for selecting a combination of two or more 26-, 52-, 106-, 242-, 484-, and 996-tone allocation units, and means for selecting a tone plan having one of 150, 282, 336, 516, 570, 702, 1028, 1082, 1214, 1448, or 1682 data tones as the combined tone plan based on the selected combination.

Another aspect provides a non-transitory computer-readable medium. The medium includes code that, when executed, causes an apparatus to allocate a first allocation unit associated with a first tone plan having a first number of tones, for communication of one or more wireless messages by a wireless device. The medium further includes code that, when executed, causes the apparatus to allocate a second allocation unit, associated with a second tone plan having a second number of tones different from the first number of tones, for communication of one or more wireless messages by the wireless device. The medium further includes code that, when executed, causes the apparatus to select a combined tone plan for the wireless device based on at least the first tone plan and the second tone plan. The medium further includes code that, when executed, causes the apparatus to provide a wireless message for transmission by the wireless device according to the combined tone plan.

Details of one or more implementations of the subject matter described in this specification are set forth in the accompanying drawings and the description below. Other features, aspects, and advantages will become apparent from the description, the drawings, and the claims. Note that the relative dimensions of the following figures may not be drawn to scale.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates an example of a wireless communication system in which aspects of the present disclosure can be employed.

FIG. 2 illustrates various components that can be utilized in a wireless device that can be employed within the wireless communication system of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 shows an exemplary 2N-tone plan, according to one embodiment.

FIG. 4 shows upper bounds for 64-, 128-, 256-, 512-, and 1024-tone plans according to various embodiments when there is a single user.

FIG. 5A shows upper bounds for 64-tone, 5 MHz tone plans according to various embodiments.

FIG. 5B shows gain from any of the feasible 5 MHz tone plans over other possible tone plans, including some existing tone plans.

FIG. 6A shows upper bounds for 128-tone, 10 MHz tone plans according to various embodiments.

FIG. 6B shows gain from any of the feasible 10 MHz tone plans over other possible tone plans, including some existing tone plans.

FIG. 7A shows upper bounds for 192-tone, 15 MHz tone plans according to various embodiments.

FIG. 7B shows gain from any of the feasible 15 MHz tone plans over other possible tone plans, including some existing tone plans.

FIG. 8A shows upper bounds for 256-tone, 20 MHz tone plans according to various embodiments.

FIG. 8B shows gain from any of the feasible 20 MHz tone plans over other possible tone plans, including some existing tone plans.

FIG. 9A shows upper bounds for 384-tone, 30 MHz tone plans according to various embodiments.

FIG. 9B shows gain from any of the feasible 30 MHz tone plans over other possible tone plans, including some existing tone plans.

FIG. 10A shows upper bounds for 512-tone, 40 MHz tone plans according to various embodiments.

FIG. 10B shows gain from any of the feasible 40 MHz tone plans over other possible tone plans, including some existing tone plans.

FIG. 11A shows upper bounds for 768-tone, 60 MHz tone plans according to various embodiments.

FIG. 11B shows gain from any of the feasible 60 MHz tone plans over other possible tone plans, including some existing tone plans.

FIG. 12A shows upper bounds for 1024-tone, 80 MHz tone plans according to various embodiments.

FIG. 12B shows gain from any of the feasible 80 MHz tone plans over other possible tone plans, including some existing tone plans.

FIG. 13A shows upper bounds for 1280-tone, 100 MHz tone plans according to various embodiments.

FIG. 13B shows gain from any of the feasible 100 MHz tone plans over other possible tone plans, including some existing tone plans.

FIG. 14A shows upper bounds for 1536-tone, 120 MHz tone plans according to various embodiments.

FIG. 14B shows gain from any of the feasible 120 MHz tone plans over other possible tone plans, including some existing tone plans.

FIG. 15A shows upper bounds for 1792-tone, 140 MHz tone plans according to various embodiments.

FIG. 15B shows gain from any of the feasible 140 MHz tone plans over other possible tone plans, including some existing tone plans.

FIG. 16 shows a system that is operable to generate interleaving parameters for orthogonal frequency-division multiple access (OFDMA) tone plans, according to an embodiment.

FIG. 17 shows an exemplary multiple-input-multiple-output (MIMO) system that can be implemented in wireless devices, such as the wireless device of FIG. 16, to transmit and receive wireless communications.

FIG. 18 is a chart illustrating candidate interleaver parameters for different numbers of data tones, according to a 64-tone plan embodiment.

FIG. 19 is a chart illustrating candidate interleaver parameters for different numbers of data tones, according to a 128-tone plan embodiment.

FIG. 20 is a chart illustrating candidate interleaver parameters for different numbers of data tones, according to a 192-tone plan embodiment.

FIG. 21 is a chart illustrating candidate interleaver parameters for different numbers of data tones, according to a 256-tone plan embodiment.

FIG. 22 is a chart illustrating candidate interleaver parameters for different numbers of data tones, according to a 384-tone plan embodiment.

FIG. 23 is a chart illustrating candidate interleaver parameters for different numbers of data tones, according to a 512-tone plan embodiment.

FIG. 24 is a chart illustrating candidate interleaver parameters for different numbers of data tones, according to a 768-tone plan embodiment.

FIG. 25 is a chart illustrating candidate interleaver parameters for different numbers of data tones, according to a 1024-tone plan embodiment.

FIG. 26 is a chart illustrating candidate interleaver parameters for different numbers of data tones, according to a 1280-tone plan embodiment.

FIG. 27 is a chart illustrating candidate interleaver parameters for different numbers of data tones, according to a 1536-tone plan embodiment.

FIG. 28 is a chart illustrating candidate interleaver parameters for different numbers of data tones, according to a 1792-tone plan embodiment.

FIG. 29 is a chart illustrating candidate interleaver parameters for different numbers of data tones, according to another 64-tone plan embodiment.

FIG. 30 is a chart illustrating candidate interleaver parameters for different numbers of data tones, according to another 128-tone plan embodiment.

FIG. 31 is a chart illustrating candidate interleaver parameters for different numbers of data tones, according to another 256-tone plan embodiment.

FIG. 32 is a chart illustrating candidate interleaver parameters for different numbers of data tones, according to a 512-tone plan embodiment.

FIG. 33 is a chart illustrating candidate interleaver parameters for different numbers of data tones, according to a 1024-tone plan embodiment.

FIG. 34 shows upper bounds for 320-tone, 25 MHz tone plans according to various embodiments.

FIG. 35 shows upper bounds for 576-tone, 45 MHz tone plans according to various embodiments.

FIG. 36 shows upper bounds for 640-tone, 50 MHz tone plans according to various embodiments.

FIG. 37 shows upper bounds for 1088-tone, 85 MHz tone plans according to various embodiments.

FIG. 38 shows upper bounds for 1152-tone, 90 MHz tone plans according to various embodiments.

FIG. 39 shows exemplary sub-band formation using multiple allocation units, according to various embodiments.

FIG. 40 shows a flowchart of an exemplary method of wireless communication that can be employed within the wireless communication system 100 of FIG. 1.

FIG. 41 shows upper bounds for 32-tone, 2.5 MHz tone plans according to various embodiments.

FIG. 42 is a chart illustrating candidate interleaver parameters for different numbers of data tones, according to a 32-tone plan embodiment.

FIG. 43 shows exemplary sub-band formation using multiple allocation units, according to various embodiments.

FIG. 44 is a chart showing exemplary data tone choices for the sub-band formation using multiple allocation units of FIG. 43, according to various embodiments.

FIG. 45 shows another flowchart of an exemplary method of wireless communication that can be employed within the wireless communication system 100 of FIG. 1.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Various aspects of the novel systems, apparatuses, and methods are described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings. The teachings disclosure can, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to any specific structure or function presented throughout this disclosure. Rather, these aspects are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the disclosure to those skilled in the art. Based on the teachings herein one skilled in the art should appreciate that the scope of the disclosure is intended to cover any aspect of the novel systems, apparatuses, and methods disclosed herein, whether implemented independently of or combined with any other aspect of the invention. For example, an apparatus can be implemented or a method can be practiced using any number of the aspects set forth herein. In addition, the scope of the invention is intended to cover such an apparatus or method which is practiced using other structure, functionality, or structure and functionality in addition to or other than the various aspects of the invention set forth herein. It should be understood that any aspect disclosed herein can be embodied by one or more elements of a claim.

Although particular aspects are described herein, many variations and permutations of these aspects fall within the scope of the disclosure. Although some benefits and advantages of the preferred aspects are mentioned, the scope of the disclosure is not intended to be limited to particular benefits, uses, or objectives. Rather, aspects of the disclosure are intended to be broadly applicable to different wireless technologies, system configurations, networks, and transmission protocols, some of which are illustrated by way of example in the figures and in the following description of the preferred aspects. The detailed description and drawings are merely illustrative of the disclosure rather than limiting, the scope of the disclosure being defined by the appended claims and equivalents thereof.

Implementing Devices

Wireless network technologies can include various types of wireless local area networks (WLANs). A WLAN can be used to interconnect nearby devices together, employing widely used networking protocols. The various aspects described herein can apply to any communication standard, such as Wi-Fi or, more generally, any member of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) 802.11 family of wireless protocols.

In some aspects, wireless signals can be transmitted according to a high-efficiency 802.11 protocol using orthogonal frequency-division multiplexing (OFDM), direct-sequence spread spectrum (DSSS) communications, a combination of OFDM and DSSS communications, or other schemes.

In some implementations, a WLAN includes various devices which are the components that access the wireless network. For example, there can be two types of devices: access points (“APs”) and clients (also referred to as stations, or “STAs”). In general, an AP serves as a hub or base station for the WLAN and an STA serves as a user of the WLAN. For example, a STA can be a laptop computer, a personal digital assistant (PDA), a mobile phone, etc. In an example, an STA connects to an AP via a Wi-Fi (e.g., IEEE 802.11 protocol such as 802.11ax) compliant wireless link to obtain general connectivity to the Internet or to other wide area networks. In some implementations an STA can also be used as an AP.

The techniques described herein can be used for various broadband wireless communication systems, including communication systems that are based on an orthogonal multiplexing scheme. Examples of such communication systems include Spatial Division Multiple Access (SDMA), Time Division Multiple Access (TDMA), Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiple Access (OFDMA) systems, Single-Carrier Frequency Division Multiple Access (SC-FDMA) systems, and so forth. An SDMA system can utilize sufficiently different directions to concurrently transmit data belonging to multiple user terminals. A TDMA system can allow multiple user terminals to share the same frequency channel by dividing the transmission signal into different time slots, each time slot being assigned to different user terminal. A TDMA system can implement global system for mobile (GSM) or some other standards known in the art. An OFDMA system utilizes orthogonal frequency-division multiplexing (OFDM), which is a modulation technique that partitions the overall system bandwidth into multiple orthogonal sub-carriers. These sub-carriers can also be called tones, bins, etc. With OFDM, each sub-carrier can be independently modulated with data. An OFDM system can implement IEEE 802.11 or some other standards known in the art. An SC-FDMA system can utilize interleaved FDMA (IFDMA) to transmit on sub-carriers that are distributed across the system bandwidth, localized FDMA (LFDMA) to transmit on a block of adjacent sub-carriers, or enhanced FDMA (EFDMA) to transmit on multiple blocks of adjacent sub-carriers. In general, modulation symbols are sent in the frequency domain with OFDM and in the time domain with SC-FDMA. A SC-FDMA system can implement 3GPP-LTE (3rd Generation Partnership Project Long Term Evolution) or other standards.

The teachings herein can be incorporated into (e.g., implemented within or performed by) a variety of wired or wireless apparatuses (e.g., nodes). In some aspects, a wireless node implemented in accordance with the teachings herein can comprise an access point or an access terminal.

An access point (“AP”) can comprise, be implemented as, or known as a NodeB, Radio Network Controller (“RNC”), eNodeB, Base Station Controller (“BSC”), Base Transceiver Station (“BTS”), Base Station (“BS”), Transceiver Function (“TF”), Radio Router, Radio Transceiver, Basic Service Set (“BSS”), Extended Service Set (“ESS”), Radio Base Station (“RBS”), or some other terminology.

A station (“STA”) can also comprise, be implemented as, or known as a user terminal, an access terminal (“AT”), a subscriber station, a subscriber unit, a mobile station, a remote station, a remote terminal, a user agent, a user device, user equipment, or some other terminology. In some implementations an access terminal can comprise a cellular telephone, a cordless telephone, a Session Initiation Protocol (“SIP”) phone, a wireless local loop (“WLL”) station, a personal digital assistant (“PDA”), a handheld device having wireless connection capability, or some other suitable processing device connected to a wireless modem. Accordingly, one or more aspects taught herein can be incorporated into a phone (e.g., a cellular phone or smart phone), a computer (e.g., a laptop), a portable communication device, a headset, a portable computing device (e.g., a personal data assistant), an entertainment device (e.g., a music or video device, or a satellite radio), a gaming device or system, a global positioning system device, or any other suitable device that is configured to communicate via a wireless medium.

FIG. 1 illustrates an example of a wireless communication system 100 in which aspects of the present disclosure can be employed. The wireless communication system 100 can operate pursuant to a wireless standard, for example the 802.11ax standard. The wireless communication system 100 can include an AP 104, which communicates with STAs 106A-106D.

A variety of processes and methods can be used for transmissions in the wireless communication system 100 between the AP 104 and the STAs 106A-106D. For example, signals can be transmitted and received between the AP 104 and the STAs 106A-106D in accordance with OFDM/OFDMA techniques. If this is the case, the wireless communication system 100 can be referred to as an OFDM/OFDMA system. Alternatively, signals can be transmitted and received between the AP 104 and the STAs 106A-106D in accordance with code division multiple access (CDMA) techniques. If this is the case, the wireless communication system 100 can be referred to as a CDMA system.

A communication link that facilitates transmission from the AP 104 to one or more of the STAs 106A-106D can be referred to as a downlink (DL) 108, and a communication link that facilitates transmission from one or more of the STAs 106A-106D to the AP 104 can be referred to as an uplink (UL) 110. Alternatively, a downlink 108 can be referred to as a forward link or a forward channel, and an uplink 110 can be referred to as a reverse link or a reverse channel.

The AP 104 can provide wireless communication coverage in a basic service area (BSA) 102. The AP 104 along with the STAs 106A-106D associated with the AP 104 and that use the AP 104 for communication can be referred to as a basic service set (BSS). It should be noted that the wireless communication system 100 may not have a central AP 104, but rather can function as a peer-to-peer network between the STAs 106A-106D. Accordingly, the functions of the AP 104 described herein can alternatively be performed by one or more of the STAs 106A-106D.

FIG. 2 illustrates various components that can be utilized in a wireless device 202 that can be employed within the wireless communication system 100. The wireless device 202 is an example of a device that can be configured to implement the various methods described herein. For example, the wireless device 202 can comprise the AP 104 or one of the STAs 106A-106D.

The wireless device 202 can include a processor 204 which controls operation of the wireless device 202. The processor 204 can also be referred to as a central processing unit (CPU). Memory 206, which can include both read-only memory (ROM) and random access memory (RAM), provides instructions and data to the processor 204. A portion of the memory 206 can also include non-volatile random access memory (NVRAM). The processor 204 typically performs logical and arithmetic operations based on program instructions stored within the memory 206. The instructions in the memory 206 can be executable to implement the methods described herein.

The processor 204 can comprise or be a component of a processing system implemented with one or more processors. The one or more processors can be implemented with any combination of general-purpose microprocessors, microcontrollers, digital signal processors (DSPs), field programmable gate array (FPGAs), programmable logic devices (PLDs), controllers, state machines, gated logic, discrete hardware components, dedicated hardware finite state machines, or any other suitable entities that can perform calculations or other manipulations of information.

The processing system can also include machine-readable media for storing software. Software shall be construed broadly to mean any type of instructions, whether referred to as software, firmware, middleware, microcode, hardware description language, or otherwise. Instructions can include code (e.g., in source code format, binary code format, executable code format, or any other suitable format of code). The instructions, when executed by the one or more processors, cause the processing system to perform the various functions described herein.

The wireless device 202 can also include a housing 208 that can include a transmitter 210 and a receiver 212 to allow transmission and reception of data between the wireless device 202 and a remote location. The transmitter 210 and receiver 212 can be combined into a transceiver 214. An antenna 216 can be attached to the housing 208 and electrically coupled to the transceiver 214. The wireless device 202 can also include (not shown) multiple transmitters, multiple receivers, multiple transceivers, and/or multiple antennas, which can be utilized during MIMO communications, for example.

The wireless device 202 can also include a signal detector 218 that can be used in an effort to detect and quantify the level of signals received by the transceiver 214. The signal detector 218 can detect such signals as total energy, energy per subcarrier per symbol, power spectral density and other signals. The wireless device 202 can also include a digital signal processor (DSP) 220 for use in processing signals. The DSP 220 can be configured to generate a data unit for transmission. In some aspects, the data unit can comprise a physical layer data unit (PPDU). In some aspects, the PPDU is referred to as a packet.

The wireless device 202 can further comprise a user interface 222 in some aspects. The user interface 222 can comprise a keypad, a microphone, a speaker, and/or a display. The user interface 222 can include any element or component that conveys information to a user of the wireless device 202 and/or receives input from the user.

The various components of the wireless device 202 can be coupled together by a bus system 226. The bus system 226 can include a data bus, for example, as well as a power bus, a control signal bus, and a status signal bus in addition to the data bus. Those of skill in the art will appreciate the components of the wireless device 202 can be coupled together or accept or provide inputs to each other using some other mechanism.

Although a number of separate components are illustrated in FIG. 2, those of skill in the art will recognize that one or more of the components can be combined or commonly implemented. For example, the processor 204 can be used to implement not only the functionality described above with respect to the processor 204, but also to implement the functionality described above with respect to the signal detector 218 and/or the DSP 220. Further, each of the components illustrated in FIG. 2 can be implemented using a plurality of separate elements.

As discussed above, the wireless device 202 can comprise an AP 104 or an STA 106A, and can be used to transmit and/or receive communications. The communications exchanged between devices in a wireless network can include data units which can comprise packets or frames. In some aspects, the data units can include data frames, control frames, and/or management frames. Data frames can be used for transmitting data from an AP and/or a STA to other APs and/or STAs. Control frames can be used together with data frames for performing various operations and for reliably delivering data (e.g., acknowledging receipt of data, polling of APs, area-clearing operations, channel acquisition, carrier-sensing maintenance functions, etc.). Management frames can be used for various supervisory functions (e.g., for joining and departing from wireless networks, etc.).

Certain aspects of the present disclosure support allowing APs 104 to allocate STAs 106A-106D transmissions in optimized ways to improve efficiency. Both high efficiency wireless (HEW) stations, stations utilizing an 802.11 high efficiency protocol (such as 802.11ax), and stations using older or legacy 802.11 protocols (such as 802.11b), can compete or coordinate with each other in accessing a wireless medium. In some embodiments, the high-efficiency 802.11 protocol described herein can allow for HEW and legacy stations to interoperate according to various OFDMA tone plans (which can also be referred to as tone maps). In some embodiments, HEW stations can access the wireless medium in a more efficient manner, such as by using multiple access techniques in OFDMA. Accordingly, in the case of apartment buildings or densely-populated public spaces, APs and/or STAs that use the high-efficiency 802.11 protocol can experience reduced latency and increased network throughput even as the number of active wireless devices increases, thereby improving user experience.

In some embodiments, APs 104 can transmit on a wireless medium according to various DL tone plans for HEW STAs. For example, with respect to FIG. 1, the STAs 106A-106D can be HEW STAs. In some embodiments, the HEW STAs can communicate using a symbol duration four times that of a legacy STA. Accordingly, each symbol which is transmitted may be four times as long in duration. When using a longer symbol duration, each of the individual tones may only require one-quarter as much bandwidth to be transmitted. For example, in various embodiments, a 1× symbol duration can be 4 ms and a 4× symbol duration can be 16 ms. The AP 104 can transmit messages to the HEW STAs 106A-106D according to one or more tone plans, based on a communication bandwidth. In some aspects, the AP 104 may be configured to transmit to multiple HEW STAs simultaneously, using OFDMA.

Efficient Tone Plan Design

FIG. 3 shows an exemplary 2N-tone plan 300, according to one embodiment. In an embodiment, the tone plan 300 corresponds to OFDM tones, in the frequency domain, generated using a 2N-point fast Fourier transform (FFT). The tone plan 300 includes 2N OFDM tones indexed -N to N−1. The tone plan 300 includes two sets of guard tones 310, two sets of data/pilot tones 320, and a set of direct current (DC) tones 330. In various embodiments, the guard tones 310 and DC tones 330 can be null. In various embodiments, the tone plan 300 includes another suitable number of pilot tones and/or includes pilot tones at other suitable tone locations.

Although a 2N-tone plan 300 is shown in FIG. 3, similar tone plans can be used for any value of N (such as 32-, 48-, 64-, 96-, 128-, 192-, 256-, 320-, 384-, 448-, 512-, 768-, 1024, 1280-, 1536-, 1792-, and 2048-tone plans, among others). In various embodiments, each tone plan can correspond to a communication bandwidth such as, for example, 5 MHz, 10 MHz, 20 MHz, 40 MHz, 80 MHz, and 160 MHz.

In some aspects, OFDMA tone plans may be provided for transmission which use 4× symbol duration, as compared to various IEEE 802.11 protocols. For example, 4× symbol duration may use a number of symbols which are each 16 ms in duration. In some aspects, OFDMA tone plans may use a minimum OFDMA allocation of 12 data tones. For example, each device which is transmitting an UL OFDMA transmission or receiving a DL OFDMA transmission may be allotted at least 12 data tones. Accordingly, both UL and DL OFDMA allocation sizes may be 12 tones as well as existing sizes (23, 53, 108, and 234 tones) as described in the IEEE 802.11ah standard. Further, the number of OFDMA allocation units may be capped, such as at 8 or 16 allocation units per transmission. Each user may receive or transmit on a maximum of two of these allocation units. This cap may limit signaling overhead. Further, designing a more flexible OFDMA with sizes equivalent to multiples of 12 tones (e.g., 12, 36, or 72 data tones per sub-band) may be considered.

In some aspects, OFDMA sub-bands may come in a number of different sizes. For example, an OFDMA sub-band may have a bandwidth of 5, 10, 15, 20, 30, 40, 60, 80, 100, 120, or 140 MHz. Each of these different sub-bands may have a different tone plan. Tone plans may also be designed with a number of other considerations. For example, a 2048-tone plan for 160 MHz may be constructed using two duplicated 1024-tone plans, which each use 80 MHz of bandwidth.

In some aspects, it may be desirable to specify tone plans which are suitable based on a certain level of error in transmitting. For example, certain implementations of WiFi may use a transmit center frequency error of +/−20 parts per million (ppm), or 40 ppm total (adding together the tolerable range). In a 5 MHz transmission with 4× symbol duration from a single user, this 40 ppm error requirement may necessitate the use of 7 DC tones. If multiple devices transmit simultaneously, the requirement may be up to 80 ppm, as the errors of each device may be additive with each other. Accordingly, in an 80 ppm (+/−40 ppm) scenario, 11 DC tones may be needed. If frequency pre-correction and/or finer ppm requirements are used, such as 10 ppm, 3 or 5 DC tones may be used for 4× symbol duration transmissions. Thus, the number of DC tones which are used may be based, at least in part, on the level of carrier frequency offset which is allowed in transmission.

In some aspects, packing efficiencies may be different in different cases for OFDMA transmissions. For example, an OFDMA allocation bandwidth (in number of FFT tones) may vary based on different total bandwidths (in FFT size). For example, a 5 MHz portion of bandwidth may be able to carry a different number of data tones if that 5 MHz portion is being transmitted by a single user, or if it is being transmitted in a part of an OFDMA transmission with different total bandwidths.

A number of pilot or guard tones may also vary depending on the type of transmission. For example, a DL transmission may use common pilot tones if transmission beamforming is not used, as each device receiving the DL transmission may use the same pilot tones from the transmitting device. However, an UL transmission which is being transmitted by a number of devices may need dedicated pilot tones for each transmitting device. Further, UL transmissions may prefer having a number of guard tones between different OFDMA users, as the transmissions from different devices may not be completely orthogonal to each other. In a DL transmission, this may not be a problem, and these additional guard tones may not be needed. Further, a DL transmission may follow a wideband mask, while an UL transmission should obey a sub-band mask for each STA. Accordingly, the number of guard tones needed may vary between UL and DL transmissions.

Further, in order to be useful, tone plans may also need to satisfy certain BCC (binary convolutional code) interleaving, LDPC (low-density parity check) tone mapping distance designs as well as be valid for a number of different possible modulation and coding schemes (MCS). Generally, in choosing a tone plan, it may be beneficial to first obtain the upper bound of the number of data tones (Ndata) with the minimum number of DC, guard, and pilot tones for each of the desired bandwidths. Next, it may be beneficial to obtain the upper bound of the number of data tones, Ndata, for each sub-band bandwidth when is it an OFDMA allocation, or when it is the entire bandwidth for a single user (SU).

Next, it may be useful to determine the feasible number of data tones (Ndata) subject to the upper bounds and to certain other criteria. First, the divisors of Ndata may be used for BCC interleaving depth N_(COL). Next, divisors of Ndata may also be used as LDPC tone mapping distance D_(TM) that are in between the ones for existing tone plans. Finally, it may be beneficial is the number of excluded combinations of MCS and number of data streams is kept relatively small. Generally, if there are left-over tones after this tone mapping, they may be used as extra DC, guard, or pilot tones. For example, leftover tones may be used as DC tones to satisfy carrier frequency offset (CFO) requirements, extra guard tones to meet DL/UL spectral mask requirements and to minimize interference between different STAs in an UL transmission, and leftover tones may be used as additional pilot tones to ensure enough pilot tones are provided for each OFDMA user. Because of these various uses of leftover tones, it may be desirable to have a number of leftover tones. Generally, each of the proposed tone plans herein may be used for either UL or DL OFDMA transmissions, subject to their number of pilot tones requirements.

FIG. 4 shows upper bounds for 64-, 128-, 256-, 512-, and 1024-tone plans according to various embodiments when there is a single user. In particular, FIG. 4 shows upper bounds to the number of data tones (Ndata) for 64-, 128-, 256-, 512-, and 1024-tone plans in embodiments having 1, 3, 5, 7, or 11 DC tones, according to the bandwidth used. These upper bounds also use the minimum number of guard tones and pilot tones possible. For example, if the FFT size is 64, and there is one DC tone, 7 guard tones, and 4 pilot tones, this leaves 52 other tones which may be used as data tones.

FIG. 5A shows upper bounds for 64-tone, 5 MHz tone plans according to various embodiments. For example, with a single user, if 1 DC tones is used, there may be 52 data tones. If 3 DC tones are used, there may be 50 data tones for a single user. If 5 DC tones are used, there may be 48 data tones for a single user. If 7 DC tones are used, there may be 46 data tones for a single user. In an OFDMA transmission with a different total bandwidth, the number of data tones which may use may be different. In a 20 MHz OFDMA transmission, the number of data tones in a 5 MHz portion when there are 3 DC tones may be Floor(234/4)=58. In this calculation, 234 is the upper bound of Ndata in a 20 MHz transmission with 3 DC tones, as shown in FIG. 4. Accordingly, each of the four 5 MHz portions of the 20 MHz transmission may have up to one-quarter, rounded down, data tones. In a 20 MHz OFDMA transmission, the number of data tones in a 5 MHz portion when there are 5 DC tones may be Floor(232/4)=58. In a 20 MHz OFDMA transmission, the number of data tones in a 5 MHz portion when there are 7 DC tones may be Floor(230/4)=57.

In a 40 MHz OFDMA transmission, the number of data tones in a 5 MHz portion when there are 3 DC tones may be Floor(486/8)=60. In a 40 MHz OFDMA transmission, the number of data tones in a 5 MHz portion when there are 5 DC tones may be Floor(484/8)=60. In a 40 MHz OFDMA transmission, the number of data tones in a 5 MHz portion when there are 7 DC tones may be Floor(482/8)=60. In a 40 MHz OFDMA transmission, the number of data tones in a 5 MHz portion when there are 11 DC tones may be Floor(478/8)=59.

In a 80 or 160 MHz OFDMA transmission, the number of data tones in a 5 MHz portion when there are 3 DC tones may be Floor(998/16)=62. In a 80 or 160 MHz OFDMA transmission, the number of data tones in a 5 MHz portion when there are 5 DC tones may be Floor(996/16)=62. In a 80 or 160 MHz OFDMA transmission, the number of data tones in a 5 MHz portion when there are 7 DC tones may be Floor(994/16)=62. In a 80 or 160 MHz OFDMA transmission, the number of data tones in a 5 MHz portion when there are 11 DC tones may be Floor(990/16)=61. Accordingly, the unified upper bound for a 64-tone transmission may be 62 data tones. This is the highest number of data tones possible, in any of the listed configurations.

FIG. 5B shows gain from any of the feasible 5 MHz tone plans over other possible tone plans, including some existing tone plans. For example, using 50 data tones may represent a 4.17% gain over 48 data tones, but a 3.85% loss over 52 data tones. Using 54 data tones may represent a 12.5% gain over 48 data tones and a 3.85% gain over 52 data tones. Using 56 data tones may represent a 16.67% gain over 48 data tones and a 7.69% gain over 52 data tones. Using 58 data tones may represent a 20.83% gain over 48 data tones and a 11.54% gain over 52 data tones. Using 60 data tones may represent a 25% gain over 48 data tones and a 15.38% gain over 52 data tones. Using 62 data tones may represent a 29.17% gain over 48 data tones and a 19.23% gain over 52 data tones.

FIG. 6A shows upper bounds for 128-tone, 10 MHz tone plans according to various embodiments. For example, with a single user, if 3 DC tones are used, there may be 108 data tones. If 5 DC tones are used, there may be 106A data tones for a single user. If 7 DC tones are used, there may be 104 data tones for a single user. In an OFDMA transmission with a different total bandwidth, the number of data tones which may use may be different. In a 20 MHz OFDMA transmission, the number of data tones in a 10 MHz portion when there are 3 DC tones may be Floor(234/2)=117. In a 20 MHz OFDMA transmission, the number of data tones in a 10 MHz portion when there are 5 DC tones may be Floor(232/2)=116. In a 20 MHz OFDMA transmission, the number of data tones in a 10 MHz portion when there are 7 DC tones may be Floor(230/2)=115.

In a 40 MHz OFDMA transmission, the number of data tones in a 10 MHz portion when there are 3 DC tones may be Floor(486/4)=121. In a 40 MHz OFDMA transmission, the number of data tones in a 10 MHz portion when there are 5 DC tones may be Floor(484/4)=121. In a 40 MHz OFDMA transmission, the number of data tones in a 10 MHz portion when there are 7 DC tones may be Floor(482/4)=120. In a 40 MHz OFDMA transmission, the number of data tones in a 10 MHz portion when there are 11 DC tones may be Floor(478/4)=119.

In a 80 or 160 MHz OFDMA transmission, the number of data tones in a 10 MHz portion when there are 3 DC tones may be Floor(998/8)=124. In a 80 or 160 MHz OFDMA transmission, the number of data tones in a 10 MHz portion when there are 5 DC tones may be Floor(996/8)=124. In a 80 or 160 MHz OFDMA transmission, the number of data tones in a 10 MHz portion when there are 7 DC tones may be Floor(994/8)=124. In a 80 or 160 MHz OFDMA transmission, the number of data tones in a 10 MHz portion when there are 11 DC tones may be Floor(990/8)=123. Accordingly, the unified upper bound for a 128-tone transmission may be 124 data tones. This is the highest number of data tones possible, in any of the listed configurations.

FIG. 6B shows gain from any of the feasible 10 MHz tone plans over other possible tone plans, including some existing tone plans. For example, using 110 data tones may represent a 1.85% gain over 108 data tones. Using 112 data tones may represent a 3.70% gain over 108 data tones. Using 114 data tones may represent a 5.56% gain over 108 data tones. Using 116 data tones may represent a 7.41% gain over 108 data tones. Using 118 data tones may represent a 9.26% gain over 108 data tones. Using 120 data tones may represent a 11.11% gain over 108 data tones. Using 122 data tones may represent a 12.96% gain over 108 data tones. Using 124 data tones may represent a 14.81% gain over 108 data tones.

FIG. 7A shows upper bounds for 192-tone, 15 MHz tone plans according to various embodiments. Generally, 15 MHz may not be used by a single user. In an OFDMA transmission with a different total bandwidth, the number of data tones which may use may be different. In a 20 MHz OFDMA transmission, the number of data tones in a 15 MHz portion when there are 3 DC tones may be Floor(234*3/4)=175. In a 20 MHz OFDMA transmission, the number of data tones in a 15 MHz portion when there are 5 DC tones may be Floor(232*3/4)=174. In a 20 MHz OFDMA transmission, the number of data tones in a 15 MHz portion when there are 7 DC tones may be Floor(230*3/4)=172.

In a 40 MHz OFDMA transmission, the number of data tones in a 15 MHz portion when there are 3 DC tones may be Floor(488*3/8)=183. In a 40 MHz OFDMA transmission, the number of data tones in a 15 MHz portion when there are 5 DC tones may be Floor(486*3/8)=182. In a 40 MHz OFDMA transmission, the number of data tones in a 15 MHz portion when there are 7 DC tones may be Floor(484*3/8)=181. In a 40 MHz OFDMA transmission, the number of data tones in a 15 MHz portion when there are 11 DC tones may be Floor(480*3/8)=180.

In a 80 or 160 MHz OFDMA transmission, the number of data tones in a 15 MHz portion when there are 3 DC tones may be Floor(998*3/16)=187. In a 80 or 160 MHz OFDMA transmission, the number of data tones in a 15 MHz portion when there are 5 DC tones may be Floor(996*3/16)=186. In a 80 or 160 MHz OFDMA transmission, the number of data tones in a 15 MHz portion when there are 7 DC tones may be Floor(994*3/16)=186. In a 80 or 160 MHz OFDMA transmission, the number of data tones in a 15 MHz portion when there are 11 DC tones may be Floor(990*3/16)=185. Accordingly, the unified upper bound for a 192-tone transmission may be 187 data tones. This is the highest number of data tones possible, in any of the listed configurations.

FIG. 7B shows gain from any of the feasible 15 MHz tone plans over other possible tone plans, including some existing tone plans. For example, using 168 data tones may represent a 10.16% loss compared to 187 data tones. Using 170 data tones may represent a 9.09% loss compared to 187 data tones. Using 172 data tones may represent a 8.02% loss compared to 187 data tones. Using 174 data tones may represent a 6.95% loss compared to 187 data tones. Using 176 data tones may represent a 5.88% loss compared to 187 data tones. Using 178 data tones may represent a 4.81% loss compared to 187 data tones. Using 180 data tones may represent a 3.74% loss compared to 187 data tones. Using 182 data tones may represent a 2.67% loss compared to 187 data tones. Using 184 data tones may represent a 1.60% loss compared to 187 data tones. Using 186 data tones may represent a 0.53% loss compared to 187 data tones.

FIG. 8A shows upper bounds for 256-tone, 20 MHz tone plans according to various embodiments. For example, with a single user, if 3 DC tones are used, there may be 234 data tones. If 5 DC tones are used, there may be 232 data tones for a single user. If 7 DC tones are used, there may be 230 data tones for a single user. In an OFDMA transmission with a different total bandwidth, the number of data tones which may use may be different. In a 20 MHz OFDMA transmission, the number of data tones in a 20 MHz portion (that is, the entire transmission) when there are 3 DC tones may be 234. In a 20 MHz OFDMA transmission, the number of data tones in a 20 MHz portion when there are 5 DC tones may be 232. In a 20 MHz OFDMA transmission, the number of data tones in a 20 MHz portion when there are 7 DC tones may be 230.

In a 40 MHz OFDMA transmission, the number of data tones in a 20 MHz portion when there are 3 DC tones may be Floor(486/2)=243. In a 40 MHz OFDMA transmission, the number of data tones in a 20 MHz portion when there are 5 DC tones may be Floor(484/2)=242. In a 40 MHz OFDMA transmission, the number of data tones in a 20 MHz portion when there are 7 DC tones may be Floor(482/2)=241. In a 40 MHz OFDMA transmission, the number of data tones in a 20 MHz portion when there are 11 DC tones may be Floor(478/2)=239.

In a 80 or 160 MHz OFDMA transmission, the number of data tones in a 20 MHz portion when there are 3 DC tones may be Floor(998/4)=249. In a 80 or 160 MHz OFDMA transmission, the number of data tones in a 20 MHz portion when there are 5 DC tones may be Floor(996/4)=249. In a 80 or 160 MHz OFDMA transmission, the number of data tones in a 20 MHz portion when there are 7 DC tones may be Floor(994/4)=248. In a 80 or 160 MHz OFDMA transmission, the number of data tones in a 20 MHz portion when there are 11 DC tones may be Floor(990/4)=247. Accordingly, the unified upper bound for a 256-tone transmission may be 249 data tones. This is the highest number of data tones possible, in any of the listed configurations.

FIG. 8B shows gain from any of the feasible 20 MHz tone plans over other possible tone plans, including some existing tone plans. For example, using 236 data tones may represent a 0.85% gain over 234 data tones. Using 238 data tones may represent a 1.71% gain over 234 data tones. Using 240 data tones may represent a 2.56% gain over 234 data tones. Using 242 data tones may represent a 3.42% gain over 234 data tones. Using 244 data tones may represent a 4.27% gain over 234 data tones. Using 246 data tones may represent a 5.13% gain over 234 data tones. Using 248 data tones may represent a 5.98% gain over 234 data tones.

FIG. 9A shows upper bounds for 384-tone, 30 MHz tone plans according to various embodiments. In a 40 MHz OFDMA transmission, the number of data tones in a 30 MHz portion when there are 3 DC tones may be Floor(488*3/4)=366. In a 40 MHz OFDMA transmission, the number of data tones in a 30 MHz portion when there are 5 DC tones may be Floor(486*3/4)=364. In a 40 MHz OFDMA transmission, the number of data tones in a 30 MHz portion when there are 7 DC tones may be Floor(484*3/4)=363. In a 40 MHz OFDMA transmission, the number of data tones in a 30 MHz portion when there are 11 DC tones may be Floor(480*3/4)=360.

In a 80 or 160 MHz OFDMA transmission, the number of data tones in a 30 MHz portion when there are 3 DC tones may be Floor(998*3/8)=374. In a 80 or 160 MHz OFDMA transmission, the number of data tones in a 30 MHz portion when there are 5 DC tones may be Floor(996*3/8)=373. In a 80 or 160 MHz OFDMA transmission, the number of data tones in a 30 MHz portion when there are 7 DC tones may be Floor(994*3/8)=372. In a 80 or 160 MHz OFDMA transmission, the number of data tones in a 30 MHz portion when there are 11 DC tones may be Floor(990*3/8)=371. Accordingly, the unified upper bound for a 384-tone transmission may be 374 data tones. This is the highest number of data tones possible, in any of the listed configurations.

FIG. 9B shows gain from any of the feasible 30 MHz tone plans over other possible tone plans, including some existing tone plans. For example, using 350 data tones may represent a 6.42% loss compared to using 374 data tones. Using 352 data tones may represent a 5.88% loss compared to using 374 data tones. Using 354 data tones may represent a 5.35% loss compared to using 374 data tones. Using 356 data tones may represent a 4.81% loss compared to using 374 data tones. Using 357 data tones may represent a 4.55% loss compared to using 374 data tones. Using 358 data tones may represent a 4.28% loss compared to using 374 data tones. Using 360 data tones may represent a 3.74% loss compared to using 374 data tones. Using 364 data tones may represent a 2.67% loss compared to using 374 data tones. Using 366 data tones may represent a 2.14% loss compared to using 374 data tones. Using 368 data tones may represent a 1.60% loss compared to using 374 data tones. Using 370 data tones may represent a 1.07% loss compared to using 374 data tones. Using 372 data tones may represent a 0.53% loss compared to using 374 data tones.

FIG. 10A shows upper bounds for 512-tone, 40 MHz tone plans according to various embodiments. For example, with a single user, if 3 DC tones is used, there may be 498 data tones. If 5 DC tones are used, there may be 484 data tones for a single user. If 7 DC tones are used, there may be 482 data tones for a single user. If 11 DC tones are used, there may be 478 data tones for a single user. Similarly, in an OFDMA transmission with 40 MHz total bandwidth, the same number of data tones may be used.

In a 80 or 160 MHz OFDMA transmission, the number of data tones in a 40 MHz portion when there are 3 DC tones may be Floor(998/2)=499. In a 80 or 160 MHz OFDMA transmission, the number of data tones in a 40 MHz portion when there are 5 DC tones may be Floor(996/2)=498. In a 80 or 160 MHz OFDMA transmission, the number of data tones in a 40 MHz portion when there are 7 DC tones may be Floor(994/2)=497. In a 80 or 160 MHz OFDMA transmission, the number of data tones in a 40 MHz portion when there are 11 DC tones may be Floor(990/2)=495. Accordingly, the unified upper bound for a 512-tone transmission may be 499 data tones. This is the highest number of data tones possible, in any of the listed configurations.

FIG. 10B shows gain from any of the feasible 40 MHz tone plans over other possible tone plans, including some existing tone plans. For example, using 470 data tones may represent a 0.43% gain over 468 data tones. Using 472 data tones may represent a 0.85% gain over 468 data tones. Using 474 data tones may represent a 1.28% gain over 468 data tones. Using 476 data tones may represent a 1.71% gain over 468 data tones. Using 478 data tones may represent a 2.14% gain over 468 data tones. Using 480 data tones may represent a 2.56% gain over 468 data tones. Using 484 data tones may represent a 3.42% gain over 468 data tones. Using 486 data tones may represent a 3.85% gain over 468 data tones. Using 488 data tones may represent a 4.27% gain over 468 data tones. Using 490 data tones may represent a 4.70% gain over 468 data tones. Using 492 data tones may represent a 5.13% gain over 468 data tones. Using 496 data tones may represent a 5.98% gain over 468 data tones. Using 498 data tones may represent a 6.41% gain over 468 data tones.

FIG. 11A shows upper bounds for 768-tone, 60 MHz tone plans according to various embodiments. In a 80 or 160 MHz OFDMA transmission, the number of data tones in a 60 MHz portion when there are 3 DC tones may be Floor(998*3/4)=748. In a 80 or 160 MHz OFDMA transmission, the number of data tones in a 60 MHz portion when there are 5 DC tones may be Floor(996*3/4)=747. In a 80 or 160 MHz OFDMA transmission, the number of data tones in a 60 MHz portion when there are 7 DC tones may be Floor(994*3/4)=745. In a 80 or 160 MHz OFDMA transmission, the number of data tones in a 60 MHz portion when there are 11 DC tones may be Floor(990*3/4)=742. Accordingly, the unified upper bound for a 768-tone transmission may be 748 data tones. This is the highest number of data tones possible, in any of the listed configurations.

FIG. 11B shows gain from any of the feasible 60 MHz tone plans over other possible tone plans, including some existing tone plans. For example, using 732 data tones may represent a 2.14% loss compared to using 478 data tones. Using 738 data tones may represent a 1.34% loss compared to using 478 data tones. Using 740 data tones may represent a 1.07% loss compared to using 478 data tones. Using 744 data tones may represent a 0.53% loss compared to using 478 data tones.

FIG. 12A shows upper bounds for 1024-tone, 80 MHz tone plans according to various embodiments. For example, with a single user, if 3 DC tones are used, there may be 998 data tones. If 5 DC tones are used, there may be 996 data tones for a single user. If 7 DC tones are used, there may be 994 data tones for a single user. If 11 DC tones are used, there may be 990 data tones for a single user. Similarly, in an 80 or 160 MHz OFDMA transmission, the same upper bounds may apply. Accordingly, the unified upper bound for a 1024-tone transmission may be 998 data tones. This is the highest number of data tones possible, in any of the listed configurations.

FIG. 12B shows gain from any of the feasible 80 MHz tone plans over other possible tone plans, including some existing tone plans. For example, using 948 data tones may represent a 1.28% gain over 936 data tones. Using 960 data tones may represent a 2.56% gain over 936 data tones. Using 972 data tones may represent a 4.06% gain over 936 data tones. Using 980 data tones may represent a 4.70% gain over 936 data tones. Using 984 data tones may represent a 5.13% gain over 936 data tones. Using 990 data tones may represent a 5.77% gain over 936 data tones. Using 996 data tones may represent a 6.41% gain over 936 data tones.

FIG. 13A shows upper bounds for 1280-tone, 100 MHz tone plans according to various embodiments. In a 160 MHz OFDMA transmission, the number of data tones in a 100 MHz portion when there are 3 DC tones may be Floor(998*5/4)=1247. In a 160 MHz OFDMA transmission, the number of data tones in a 100 MHz portion when there are 5 DC tones may be Floor(996*5/4)=1245. In a 160 MHz OFDMA transmission, the number of data tones in a 100 MHz portion when there are 7 DC tones may be Floor(994*5/4)=1242. In a 160 MHz OFDMA transmission, the number of data tones in a 100 MHz portion when there are 11 DC tones may be Floor(990*5/4)=1237. Accordingly, the unified upper bound for a 1280-tone transmission may be 1247 data tones. This is the highest number of data tones possible, in any of the listed configurations.

FIG. 13B shows gain from any of the feasible 100 MHz tone plans over other possible tone plans, including some existing tone plans. For example, using 1200 data tones may represent a 3.77% loss compared to using 1247 data tones. Using 1206 data tones may represent a 3.29% loss compared to using 1247 data tones. Using 116 data tones may represent a 7.41% gain over 108 data tones. Using 118 data tones may represent a 9.26% gain over 108 data tones. Using 120 data tones may represent a 11.11% gain over 108 data tones. Using 122 data tones may represent a 12.96% gain over 108 data tones. Using 124 data tones may represent a 14.81% gain over 108 data tones.

FIG. 14A shows upper bounds for 1536-tone, 120 MHz tone plans according to various embodiments. In a 160 MHz OFDMA transmission, the number of data tones in a 120 MHz portion when there are 3 DC tones may be Floor(998*3/2)=1497. In a 160 MHz OFDMA transmission, the number of data tones in a 120 MHz portion when there are 5 DC tones may be Floor(996*3/2)=1494. In a 160 MHz OFDMA transmission, the number of data tones in a 120 MHz portion when there are 7 DC tones may be Floor(994*3/2)=1491. In a 160 MHz OFDMA transmission, the number of data tones in a 120 MHz portion when there are 11 DC tones may be Floor(990*3/2)=1485. Accordingly, the unified upper bound for a 1536-tone transmission may be 1497 data tones. This is the highest number of data tones possible, in any of the listed configurations.

FIG. 14B shows gain from any of the feasible 120 MHz tone plans over other possible tone plans, including some existing tone plans. For example, using 1420 data tones may represent a 5.14% loss compared to using 1497 data tones. Using 1422 data tones may represent a 5.01% loss compared to using 1497 data tones. Using 1424 data tones may represent a 4.88% loss compared to using 1497 data tones. Using 1426 data tones may represent a 4.74% loss compared to using 1497 data tones. Using 1428 data tones may represent a 4.61% loss compared to using 1497 data tones. Using 1430 data tones may represent a 4.48% loss compared to using 1497 data tones. Using 1432 data tones may represent a 4.34% loss compared to using 1497 data tones. Using 1434 data tones may represent a 4.21% loss compared to using 1497 data tones. Using 1436 data tones may represent a 4.07% loss compared to using 1497 data tones. Using 1438 data tones may represent a 3.94% loss compared to using 1497 data tones. Using 1440 data tones may represent a 3.81% loss compared to using 1497 data tones. Using 1452 data tones may represent a 3.01% loss compared to using 1497 data tones. Using 1464 data tones may represent a 2.20% loss compared to using 1497 data tones. Using 1470 data tones may represent a 1.80% loss compared to using 1497 data tones. Using 1485 data tones may represent a 0.80% loss compared to using 1497 data tones. Using 1488 data tones may represent a 0.60% loss compared to using 1497 data tones. Using 1491 data tones may represent a 0.40% loss compared to using 1497 data tones.

FIG. 15A shows upper bounds for 1792-tone, 140 MHz tone plans according to various embodiments. In a 160 MHz OFDMA transmission, the number of data tones in a 140 MHz portion when there are 3 DC tones may be Floor(998*7/4)=1746. In a 160 MHz OFDMA transmission, the number of data tones in a 140 MHz portion when there are 5 DC tones may be Floor(996*7/4)=1743. In a 160 MHz OFDMA transmission, the number of data tones in a 140 MHz portion when there are 7 DC tones may be Floor(994*7/4)=1739. In a 160 MHz OFDMA transmission, the number of data tones in a 140 MHz portion when there are 11 DC tones may be Floor(990*7/4)=1732. Accordingly, the unified upper bound for a 1792-tone transmission may be 1746 data tones. This is the highest number of data tones possible, in any of the listed configurations.

FIG. 15B shows gain from any of the feasible 140 MHz tone plans over other possible tone plans, including some existing tone plans. For example, using 1660 data tones may represent a 4.93% loss compared to using 1746 data tones. Using 1664 data tones may represent a 4.70% loss compared to using 1746 data tones. Using 1668 data tones may represent a 4.47% loss compared to using 1746 data tones. Using 1672 data tones may represent a 4.24% loss compared to using 1746 data tones. Using 1680 data tones may represent a 3.78% loss compared to using 1746 data tones. Using 1688 data tones may represent a 3.32% loss compared to using 1746 data tones. Using 1692 data tones may represent a 3.09% loss compared to using 1746 data tones. Using 1696 data tones may represent a 2.86% loss compared to using 1746 data tones. Using 1700 data tones may represent a 2.63% loss compared to using 1746 data tones. Using 1704 data tones may represent a 2.41% loss compared to using 1746 data tones. Using 1708 data tones may represent a 2.18% loss compared to using 1746 data tones. Using 1710 data tones may represent a 2.06% loss compared to using 1746 data tones. Using 1712 data tones may represent a 1.95% loss compared to using 1746 data tones. Using 1716 data tones may represent a 1.72% loss compared to using 1746 data tones. Using 1720 data tones may represent a 1.49% loss compared to using 1746 data tones. Using 1728 data tones may represent a 1.03% loss compared to using 1746 data tones. Using 1740 data tones may represent a 0.34% loss compared to using 1746 data tones. Using 1745 data tones may represent a 0.06% loss compared to using 1746 data tones.

FIG. 16 shows a system 1000 that is operable to generate interleaving parameters for orthogonal frequency-division multiple access (OFDMA) tone plans, according to an embodiment. The system 1000 includes a first device (e.g., a source device) 1010 configured to wirelessly communicate with a plurality of other devices (e.g., destination devices) 1020, 1030, and 1040 via a wireless network 1050. In alternate embodiments, a different number of source devices destination devices can be present in the system 1000. In various embodiments, the source device 1010 can include the AP 104 (FIG. 1) and the other devices 1020, 1030, and 1040 can include STAs 106A-106D (FIG. 1). The system 1000 can include the system 100 (FIG. 1). In various embodiments, any of the devices 1010, 1020, 1030, and 1040 can include the wireless device 202 (FIG. 2).

In a particular embodiment, the wireless network 1050 is an IEEE 802.11 wireless network (e.g., a Wi-Fi network). For example, the wireless network 61050 can operate in accordance with an IEEE 802.11 standard. In a particular embodiment, the wireless network 1050 supports multiple access communication. For example, the wireless network 1050 can support communication of a single packet 1060 to each of the destination devices 1020, 1030, and 1040, where the single packet 1060 includes individual data portions directed to each of the destination devices. In one example, the packet 1060 can be an OFDMA packet, as further described herein.

The source device 1010 can be an access point (AP) or other device configured to generate and transmit multiple access packet(s) to multiple destination devices. In a particular embodiment, the source device 1010 includes a processor 1011 (e.g., a central processing unit (CPU), a digital signal processor (DSP), a network processing unit (NPU), etc.), a memory 1012 (e.g., a random access memory (RAM), a read-only memory (ROM), etc.), and a wireless interface 1015 configured to send and receive data via the wireless network 1050. The memory 1012 can store binary convolutional code (BCC) interleaving parameters 1013 used by an interleaving system 1014 to interleave data according to the techniques described with respect to an interleaving system 1014 of FIG. 17.

As used herein, a “tone” can represent a frequency or set of frequencies (e.g., a frequency range) within which data can be communicated. A tone can alternately be referred to as a subcarrier. A “tone” can thus be a frequency domain unit, and a packet can span multiple tones. In contrast to tones, a “symbol” can be a time domain unit, and a packet can span (e.g., include) multiple symbols, each symbol having a particular duration. A wireless packet can thus be visualized as a two-dimensional structure that spans a frequency range (e.g., tones) and a time period (e.g., symbols).

As an example, a wireless device can receive a packet via an 80 megahertz (MHz) wireless channel (e.g., a channel having 80 MHz bandwidth). The wireless device can perform a 512-point FFT to determine 512 tones in the packet. A subset of the tones can be considered “useable” and the remaining tones can be considered “unusable” (e.g., can be guard tones, direct current (DC) tones, etc.). To illustrate, 496 of the 512 tones can be useable, including 474 data tones and 22 pilot tones. As another example, there can be 476 data tones and 20 pilot tones. It should be noted that the aforementioned channel bandwidths, transforms, and tone plans are just examples. In alternate embodiments, different channel bandwidths (e.g., 5 MHz, 6 MHz, 6.5 MHz, 40 MHz, 80 MHz, etc.), different transforms (e.g., 256-point FFT, 1024-point FFT, etc.), and/or different tone plans can be used.

In a particular embodiment, a packet can include different block sizes (e.g., a different number of data tones per sub-band) that are transmitted over one or more spatial streams. For example, the packet can include 12 data tones per sub-band, 36 data tones per sub-band, 72 data tones per sub-band, 120 data tones per sub-band, 156 data tones per sub-band, or 312 data tones per sub-band. Interleave depths, interleave rotation indexes, and base subcarrier rotations combinations can be provided for each block size.

In a particular embodiment, the interleaving parameters 1013 can be used by the interleaving system 1014 during generation of the multiple access packet 1060 to determine which data tones of the packet 1060 are assigned to individual destination devices. For example, the packet 1060 can include distinct sets of tones allocated to each individual destination device 1020, 1030, and 1040. To illustrate, the packet 1060 can utilize interleaved tone allocation.

The destination devices 1020, 1030, and 1040 can each include a processor (e.g., a processor 1021), a memory (e.g., a memory 1022), and a wireless interface (e.g., a wireless interface 1025). The destination devices 1020, 1030, and 1040 can also each include a deinterleaving system 1024 configured to deinterleave packets (e.g., single access packets or multiple access packets), as described with reference to a MIMO detector 1118 of FIG. 17. In one example, the memory 1022 can store interleaving parameters 1023 identical to the interleaving parameters 1013.

During operation, the source device 1010 can generate and transmit the packet 1060 to each of the destination devices 1020, 1030, and 1040 via the wireless network 1050. The packet 1060 can include distinct sets of data tones that are allocated to each individual destination device according to an interleaved pattern.

The system 1000 of FIG. 16 can thus provide OFDMA data tone interleaving parameters for use by source devices and destination devices to communicate over an IEEE 802.11 wireless network. For example, the interleaving parameters 1013, 1023 (or portions thereof) can be stored in a memory of the source and destination devices, as shown, can be standardized by a wireless standard (e.g., an IEEE 802.11 standard), etc. It should be noted that various data tone plans described herein can be applicable for both downlink (DL) as well as uplink (UL) OFDMA communication.

For example, the source device 1010 (e.g., an access point) can receive signal(s) via the wireless network 1050. The signal(s) can correspond to an uplink packet. In the packet, distinct sets of tones can be allocated to, and carry uplink data transmitted by, each of the destination devices (e.g., mobile stations) 1020, 1030, and 1040.

FIG. 17 shows an exemplary multiple-input-multiple-output (MIMO) system 1100 that can be implemented in wireless devices, such as the wireless device of FIG. 16, to transmit and receive wireless communications. The system 1100 includes the first device 1010 of FIG. 16 and the destination device 1020 of FIG. 16.

The first device 1010 includes an encoder 1104, the interleaving system 1014, a plurality of modulators 1102 a-1102 c, a plurality of transmission (TX) circuits 1110 a-1110 c, and a plurality of antennas 1112 a-1112 c. The destination device 1020 includes a plurality of antennas 1114 a-1114 c, a plurality of receive (RX) circuits 1116 a-1116 c, a MIMO detector 1118, and a decoder 1120.

A bit sequence can be provided to the encoder 1104. The encoder 1104 can be configured to encode the bit sequence. For example, the encoder 1104 can be configured to apply a forward error correcting (FEC) code to the bit sequence. The FEC code can be a block code, a convolutional code (e.g., a binary convolutional code), etc. The encoded bit sequence can be provided to the interleaving system 1014.

The interleaving system 1014 can include a stream parser 1106A and a plurality of spatial stream interleavers 1108 a-1108 c. The stream parser 1106A can be configured to parse the encoded bit stream from the encoder 1104 to the plurality of spatial stream interleavers 1108 a-1108 c.

Each interleaver 1108 a-1108 c can be configured to perform frequency interleaving. For example, the stream parser 1106A can output blocks of coded bits per symbol for each spatial stream. Each block can be interleaved by a corresponding interleaver 1108 a-1108 c that writes to rows and reads out columns. The number of columns (Ncol), or the interleaver depth, can be based on the number of data tones (Ndata). The number of rows (Nrow) can be a function of the number of columns (Ncol) and the number of data tones (Ndata). For example, the number of rows (Nrow) can be equal to the number of data tones (Ndata) divided by the number of columns (Ncol) (e.g., Nrow=Ndata/Ncol).

Note that the tone plan for each of the bandwidths (e.g., each of 5/10/15/20/30/40/60/80/100/120/140 MHz) may be chosen based on a number of different factors. For example, the upper bound may be determined based, at least in part, on whether a transmission is a single-user bandwidth or is part of an OFDMA bandwidth for a specific total bandwidth. The tone plan may also be chosen based on the needed number of DC tones, depending on the CFO requirement. The tone plan may also be chosen based on the needed number of guard tones in order to meet DL/UL spectral mask, and to minimize interference between transmissions of the different STAs in UL OFDMA. Further, the tone plan may also be chosen based on the number of pilot tones that are needed to ensure there are enough pilot tones for each of DL and UL OFDMA. Generally, the 160 MHz (2048FFT) tone plan may be a duplicate of two 80 MHz (1024FFT) tone plans. Because of these needs for sufficient numbers of DC, guard, and pilot tones, enough leftover tones (upper bounds minus Ndata) need to be spared. Accordingly, this may lead to the choice of Ndata.

FIG. 18 is a chart illustrating candidate interleaver parameters for different numbers of data tones, according to a 64-tone plan embodiment. In a particular embodiment, the interleaver depth (e.g., the number of columns (Ncol)) can be a factor of the number of data tones (Ndata). In various embodiments, a 50 data tone block can have an interleaver depth of 2, 5, 10, or 25. In various embodiments, a 54 data tone block can have an interleaver depth of 2, 3, 6, 9, 18, or 27. In various embodiments, a 56 data tone block can have an interleaver depth of 2, 4, 7, 8, 14, or 28. In various embodiments, a 58 data tone block can have an interleaver depth of 2 or 29. In various embodiments, a 60 data tone block can have an interleaver depth of 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 10, 12, 15, 20, or 30. In various embodiments, a 50 data tone block can have an interleaver depth of 2 or 31.

A frequency rotation can be applied to the spatial streams if there is more than one spatial stream. The frequency rotation can be based on a base subcarrier rotation (NROT) and a rotation index. The base subcarrier rotation (NROT) and the rotation index can be based on the number of data tones (Ndata) and the number of spatial streams (Nss).

For example, if the data tone block has 4 or less spatial streams (Nss), the base subcarrier rotation (NROT) can be any of 1-26. The rotation index (e.g., the 6^(th) column) can be a bit reversal of [0 2 1 3] in this scenario. Alternatively, if the data tone block has more than 4 spatial streams (Nss), the base subcarrier rotation (NROT) can be any of 1-18. The rotation index (e.g., the 7th column) can be a bit reversal of [0 4 2 6 1 5 3 7] in some embodiments, or the rotation index can be chosen to maximize (or increase) an average subcarrier distance of adjacent streams in other embodiments (e.g., [0 5 2 7 3 6 1 4]). Although a rotation index of [0 5 2 7 3 6 1 4] is used herein as one example of an index maximizing average subcarrier distance, any other rotation indexes that maximizes (or increases) average subcarrier distance can be used. For example, any permutation which maximizes the average subcarrier distance of adjacent streams may be used, and [0 5 2 7 3 6 1 4] is only one example.

FIG. 19 is a chart illustrating candidate interleaver parameters for different numbers of data tones, according to a 128-tone plan embodiment. In a particular embodiment, the interleaver depth (e.g., the number of columns (Ncol)) can be a factor of the number of data tones (Ndata). In various embodiments, a 110 data tone block can have an interleaver depth of 2, 5, 10, 11, 22, or 55. In various embodiments, a 112 data tone block can have an interleaver depth of 2, 4, 7, 8, 14, 16, 28, or 56. In various embodiments, a 114 data tone block can have an interleaver depth of 2, 3, 6, 19, 38, or 57. In various embodiments, a 116 data tone block can have an interleaver depth of 2, 4, 29, or 58. In various embodiments, a 118 data tone block can have an interleaver depth of 2 or 59. In various embodiments, a 120 data tone block can have an interleaver depth of 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, 10, 12, 15, 20, 24, 30, 40, or 60. In various embodiments, a 122 data tone block can have an interleaver depth of 2 or 61. In various embodiments, a 124 data tone block can have an interleaver depth of 2, 4, 31, or 62.

A frequency rotation can be applied to the spatial streams if there is more than one spatial stream. The frequency rotation can be based on a base subcarrier rotation (NROT) and a rotation index. The base subcarrier rotation (NROT) and the rotation index can be based on the number of data tones (Ndata) and the number of spatial streams (Nss). For example, if the data tone block has 4 or less spatial streams (Nss), the base subcarrier rotation (NROT) can be any of 1-42. The rotation index (e.g., the 6^(th) column) can be a bit reversal of [0 2 1 3] in this scenario. Alternatively, if the data tone block has more than 4 spatial streams (Nss), the base subcarrier rotation (NROT) can be any of 1-26. The rotation index (e.g., the 7th column) can be a bit reversal of [0 4 2 6 1 5 3 7] in some embodiments, or the rotation index can be chosen to maximize (or increase) an average subcarrier distance of adjacent streams in other embodiments (e.g., [0 5 2 7 3 6 1 4]). Although a rotation index of [0 5 2 7 3 6 1 4] is used herein as one example of an index maximizing average subcarrier distance, any other rotation indexes that maximizes (or increases) average subcarrier distance can be used. For example, any permutation which maximizes the average subcarrier distance of adjacent streams may be used, and [0 5 2 7 3 6 1 4] is only one example.

FIG. 20 is a chart illustrating candidate interleaver parameters for different numbers of data tones, according to a 192-tone plan embodiment. In a particular embodiment, the interleaver depth (e.g., the number of columns (Ncol)) can be a factor of the number of data tones (Ndata). In various embodiments, a 168 data tone block can have an interleaver depth of 2, 3, 4, 6, 7, 8, 12, 14, 21, 24, 28, 42, 56, or 84. In various embodiments, a 170 data tone block can have an interleaver depth of 2, 5, 10, 17, 34, or 85. In various embodiments, a 172 data tone block can have an interleaver depth of 2, 4, 43, or 86. In various embodiments, a 174 data tone block can have an interleaver depth of 2, 3, 6, 29, 58, or 87. In various embodiments, a 176 data tone block can have an interleaver depth of 2, 4, 8, 11, 16, 22, 44, or 88. In various embodiments, a 178 data tone block can have an interleaver depth of 2 or 89. In various embodiments, a 180 data tone block can have an interleaver depth of 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 9, 10, 12, 15, 18, 20, 30, 36, 45, 60, or 90. In various embodiments, a 182 data tone block can have an interleaver depth of 2, 7, 13, 14, 26, or 91. In various embodiments, a 184 data tone block can have an interleaver depth of 2, 4, 8, 23, 46, or 92. In various embodiments, a 186 data tone block can have an interleaver depth of 2, 3, 6, 31, 62, or 93.

A frequency rotation can be applied to the spatial streams if there is more than one spatial stream. The frequency rotation can be based on a base subcarrier rotation (NROT) and a rotation index. The base subcarrier rotation (NROT) and the rotation index can be based on the number of data tones (Ndata) and the number of spatial streams (Nss).

For example, if the data tone block has 4 or less spatial streams (Nss), the base subcarrier rotation (NROT) can be any of 32-57. The rotation index (e.g., the 6^(th) column) can be a bit reversal of [0 2 1 3] in this scenario. Alternatively, if the data tone block has more than 4 spatial streams (Nss), the base subcarrier rotation (NROT) can be any of 1-34. The rotation index (e.g., the 7th column) can be a bit reversal of [0 4 2 6 1 5 3 7] in some embodiments, or the rotation index can be chosen to maximize (or increase) an average subcarrier distance of adjacent streams in other embodiments (e.g., [0 5 2 7 3 6 1 4]). Although a rotation index of [0 5 2 7 3 6 1 4] is used herein as one example of an index maximizing average subcarrier distance, any other rotation indexes that maximizes (or increases) average subcarrier distance can be used. For example, any permutation which maximizes the average subcarrier distance of adjacent streams may be used, and [0 5 2 7 3 6 1 4] is only one example.

FIG. 21 is a chart illustrating candidate interleaver parameters for different numbers of data tones, according to a 256-tone plan embodiment. In a particular embodiment, the interleaver depth (e.g., the number of columns (Ncol)) can be a factor of the number of data tones (Ndata). In various embodiments, a 236 data tone block can have an interleaver depth of 2, 4, 59, or 118. In various embodiments, a 238 data tone block can have an interleaver depth of 2, 7, 14, 17, 34, or 119. In various embodiments, a 240 data tone block can have an interleaver depth of 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, 10, 12, 15, 16, 20, 24, 30, 40, 48, 60, 80, or 120. In various embodiments, a 242 data tone block can have an interleaver depth of 2, 11, 22, or 121. In various embodiments, a 244 data tone block can have an interleaver depth of 2, 4, 61, or 122. In various embodiments, a 246 data tone block can have an interleaver depth of 2, 3, 6, 41, 82, or 123. In various embodiments, a 248 data tone block can have an interleaver depth of 2, 4, 8, 31, 62, or 124.

A frequency rotation can be applied to the spatial streams if there is more than one spatial stream. The frequency rotation can be based on a base subcarrier rotation (NROT) and a rotation index. The base subcarrier rotation (NROT) and the rotation index can be based on the number of data tones (Ndata) and the number of spatial streams (Nss).

For example, if the data tone block has 4 or less spatial streams (Nss), the base subcarrier rotation (NROT) can be any of 49-73. The rotation index (e.g., the 6^(th) column) can be a bit reversal of [0 2 1 3] in this scenario. Alternatively, if the data tone block has more than 4 spatial streams (Nss), the base subcarrier rotation (NROT) can be any of 1-42. The rotation index (e.g., the 7th column) can be a bit reversal of [0 4 2 6 1 5 3 7] in some embodiments, or the rotation index can be chosen to maximize (or increase) an average subcarrier distance of adjacent streams in other embodiments (e.g., [0 5 2 7 3 6 1 4]). Although a rotation index of [0 5 2 7 3 6 1 4] is used herein as one example of an index maximizing average subcarrier distance, any other rotation indexes that maximizes (or increases) average subcarrier distance can be used. For example, any permutation which maximizes the average subcarrier distance of adjacent streams may be used, and [0 5 2 7 3 6 1 4] is only one example.

FIG. 22 is a chart illustrating candidate interleaver parameters for different numbers of data tones, according to a 384-tone plan embodiment. In a particular embodiment, the interleaver depth (e.g., the number of columns (Ncol)) can be a factor of the number of data tones (Ndata). In various embodiments, a 350 data tone block can have an interleaver depth of 2, 5, 7, 10, 14, 25, 35, 50, 70, or 175. In various embodiments, a 352 data tone block can have an interleaver depth of 2, 4, 8, 11, 16, 22, 32, 44, 88, or 176. In various embodiments, a 354 data tone block can have an interleaver depth of 2, 3, 6, 59, 118, or 177. In various embodiments, a 356 data tone block can have an interleaver depth of 2, 4, 89, or 178. In various embodiments, a 357 data tone block can have an interleaver depth of 3, 7, 17, 21, 51, or 119. In various embodiments, a 358 data tone block can have an interleaver depth of 2 or 179. In various embodiments, a 360 data tone block can have an interleaver depth of 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, 10, 12, 15, 18, 20, 24, 30, 36, 40, 45, 60, 72, 90, 120, or 180. In various embodiments, a 364 data tone block can have an interleaver depth of 2, 4, 7, 13, 14, 26, 28, 52, 91, or 182. In various embodiments, a 366 data tone block can have an interleaver depth of 2, 3, 6, 61, 122, or 183. In various embodiments, a 368 data tone block can have an interleaver depth of 2, 4, 8, 16, 23, 46, 92, or 184. In various embodiments, a 370 data tone block can have an interleaver depth of 2, 5, 10, 37, 74, or 185. In various embodiments, a 372 data tone block can have an interleaver depth of 2, 3, 4, 6, 12, 31, 62, 93, 124, or 186.

A frequency rotation can be applied to the spatial streams if there is more than one spatial stream. The frequency rotation can be based on a base subcarrier rotation (NROT) and a rotation index. The base subcarrier rotation (NROT) and the rotation index can be based on the number of data tones (Ndata) and the number of spatial streams (Nss).

For example, if the data tone block has 4 or less spatial streams (Nss), the base subcarrier rotation (NROT) can be any of 77-105. The rotation index (e.g., the 6^(th) column) can be a bit reversal of [0 2 1 3] in this scenario. Alternatively, if the data tone block has more than 4 spatial streams (Nss), the base subcarrier rotation (NROT) can be any of 33-58. The rotation index (e.g., the 7th column) can be a bit reversal of [0 4 2 6 1 5 3 7] in some embodiments, or the rotation index can be chosen to maximize (or increase) an average subcarrier distance of adjacent streams in other embodiments (e.g., [0 5 2 7 3 6 1 4]). Although a rotation index of [0 5 2 7 3 6 1 4] is used herein as one example of an index maximizing average subcarrier distance, any other rotation indexes that maximizes (or increases) average subcarrier distance can be used. For example, any permutation which maximizes the average subcarrier distance of adjacent streams may be used, and [0 5 2 7 3 6 1 4] is only one example.

FIG. 23 is a chart illustrating candidate interleaver parameters for different numbers of data tones, according to a 512-tone plan embodiment. In a particular embodiment, the interleaver depth (e.g., the number of columns (Ncol)) can be a factor of the number of data tones (Ndata). In various embodiments, a 470 data tone block can have an interleaver depth of 2, 5, 10, 47, 94, or 235. In various embodiments, a 472 data tone block can have an interleaver depth of 2, 4, 8, 59, 118, or 236. In various embodiments, a 474 data tone block can have an interleaver depth of 2, 3, 6, 79, 158, or 237. In various embodiments, a 476 data tone block can have an interleaver depth of 2, 4, 7, 14, 17, 28, 34, 68, 119, or 238. In various embodiments, a 478 data tone block can have an interleaver depth of 2 or 239. In various embodiments, a 480 data tone block can have an interleaver depth of 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, 10, 12, 15, 16, 20, 24, 30, 32, 40, 48, 60, 80, 96, 120, 160, or 240. In various embodiments, a 484 data tone block can have an interleaver depth of 2, 4, 11, 22, 44, 121, or 242. In various embodiments, a 486 data tone block can have an interleaver depth of 2, 3, 6, 9, 18, 27, 54, 81, 162, or 243. In various embodiments, a 488 data tone block can have an interleaver depth of 2, 4, 8, 61, 122, or 244. In various embodiments, a 490 data tone block can have an interleaver depth of 2, 5, 7, 10, 14, 35, 49, 70, 98, or 245. In various embodiments, a 492 data tone block can have an interleaver depth of 2, 3, 4, 6, 12, 41, 82, 123, 164, or 246. In various embodiments, a 496 data tone block can have an interleaver depth of 2, 4, 8, 16, 31, 62, 124, or 248. In various embodiments, a 498 data tone block can have an interleaver depth of 2, 3, 6, 83, 166, or 249.

A frequency rotation can be applied to the spatial streams if there is more than one spatial stream. The frequency rotation can be based on a base subcarrier rotation (NROT) and a rotation index. The base subcarrier rotation (NROT) and the rotation index can be based on the number of data tones (Ndata) and the number of spatial streams (Nss).

For example, if the data tone block has 4 or less spatial streams (Nss), the base subcarrier rotation (NROT) can be any of 107-136. The rotation index (e.g., the 6^(th) column) can be a bit reversal of [0 2 1 3] in this scenario. Alternatively, if the data tone block has more than 4 spatial streams (Nss), the base subcarrier rotation (NROT) can be any of 48-73. The rotation index (e.g., the 7th column) can be a bit reversal of [0 4 2 6 1 5 3 7] in some embodiments, or the rotation index can be chosen to maximize (or increase) an average subcarrier distance of adjacent streams in other embodiments (e.g., [0 5 2 7 3 6 1 4]). Although a rotation index of [0 5 2 7 3 6 1 4] is used herein as one example of an index maximizing average subcarrier distance, any other rotation indexes that maximizes (or increases) average subcarrier distance can be used. For example, any permutation which maximizes the average subcarrier distance of adjacent streams may be used, and [0 5 2 7 3 6 1 4] is only one example.

FIG. 24 is a chart illustrating candidate interleaver parameters for different numbers of data tones, according to a 768-tone plan embodiment. In a particular embodiment, the interleaver depth (e.g., the number of columns (Ncol)) can be a factor of the number of data tones (Ndata). In various embodiments, a 732 data tone block can have an interleaver depth of 2, 3, 4, 6, 12, 61, 122, 183, 244, or 366. In various embodiments, a 738 data tone block can have an interleaver depth of 2, 3, 6, 9, 18, 41, 82, 123, 246, or 369. In various embodiments, a 740 data tone block can have an interleaver depth of 2, 4, 5, 10, 20, 37, 74, 148, 185, or 370. In various embodiments, a 744 data tone block can have an interleaver depth of 2, 3, 4, 6, 8, 12, 24, 31, 62, 93, 124, 186, 248, or 372.

A frequency rotation can be applied to the spatial streams if there is more than one spatial stream. The frequency rotation can be based on a base subcarrier rotation (NROT) and a rotation index. The base subcarrier rotation (NROT) and the rotation index can be based on the number of data tones (Ndata) and the number of spatial streams (Nss).

For example, if the data tone block has 4 or less spatial streams (Nss), the base subcarrier rotation (NROT) can be any of 173-199. The rotation index (e.g., the 6^(th) column) can be a bit reversal of [0 2 1 3] in this scenario. Alternatively, if the data tone block has more than 4 spatial streams (Nss), the base subcarrier rotation (NROT) can be any of 81-105. The rotation index (e.g., the 7th column) can be a bit reversal of [0 4 2 6 1 5 3 7] in some embodiments, or the rotation index can be chosen to maximize (or increase) an average subcarrier distance of adjacent streams in other embodiments (e.g., [0 5 2 7 3 6 1 4]). Although a rotation index of [0 5 2 7 3 6 1 4] is used herein as one example of an index maximizing average subcarrier distance, any other rotation indexes that maximizes (or increases) average subcarrier distance can be used. For example, any permutation which maximizes the average subcarrier distance of adjacent streams may be used, and [0 5 2 7 3 6 1 4] is only one example.

FIG. 25 is a chart illustrating candidate interleaver parameters for different numbers of data tones, according to a 1024-tone plan embodiment. In a particular embodiment, the interleaver depth (e.g., the number of columns (Ncol)) can be a factor of the number of data tones (Ndata). In various embodiments, a 948 data tone block can have an interleaver depth of 2, 3, 4, 6, 12, 79, 158, 237, 316, or 474. In various embodiments, a 960 data tone block can have an interleaver depth of 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, 10, 12, 15, 16, 20, 24, 30, 32, 40, 48, 60, 64, 80, 96, 120, 160, 192, 240, 320, or 480. In various embodiments, a 972 data tone block can have an interleaver depth of 2, 3, 4, 6, 9, 12, 18, 27, 36, 54, 81, 108, 162, 243, 324, or 486. In various embodiments, a 980 data tone block can have an interleaver depth of 2, 4, 5, 7, 10, 14, 20, 28, 35, 49, 70, 98, 140, 196, 245, or 490. In various embodiments, a 984 data tone block can have an interleaver depth of 2, 3, 4, 6, 8, 12, 24, 41, 82, 123, 164, 246, 328, or 492. In various embodiments, a 990 data tone block can have an interleaver depth of 2, 3, 5, 6, 9, 10, 11, 15, 18, 22, 30, 33, 45, 55, 66, 90, 99, 110, 165, 198, 330, or 495. In various embodiments, a 996 data tone block can have an interleaver depth of 2, 3, 4, 6, 12, 83, 166, 249, 332, or 498.

A frequency rotation can be applied to the spatial streams if there is more than one spatial stream. The frequency rotation can be based on a base subcarrier rotation (NROT) and a rotation index. The base subcarrier rotation (NROT) and the rotation index can be based on the number of data tones (Ndata) and the number of spatial streams (Nss).

For example, if the data tone block has 4 or less spatial streams (Nss), the base subcarrier rotation (NROT) can be any of 227-259. The rotation index (e.g., the 6^(th) column) can be a bit reversal of [0 2 1 3] in this scenario. Alternatively, if the data tone block has more than 4 spatial streams (Nss), the base subcarrier rotation (NROT) can be any of 108-135. The rotation index (e.g., the 7th column) can be a bit reversal of [0 4 2 6 1 5 3 7] in some embodiments, or the rotation index can be chosen to maximize (or increase) an average subcarrier distance of adjacent streams in other embodiments (e.g., [0 5 2 7 3 6 1 4]). Although a rotation index of [0 5 2 7 3 6 1 4] is used herein as one example of an index maximizing average subcarrier distance, any other rotation indexes that maximizes (or increases) average subcarrier distance can be used. For example, any permutation which maximizes the average subcarrier distance of adjacent streams may be used, and [0 5 2 7 3 6 1 4] is only one example.

FIG. 26 is a chart illustrating candidate interleaver parameters for different numbers of data tones, according to a 1280-tone plan embodiment. In a particular embodiment, the interleaver depth (e.g., the number of columns (Ncol)) can be a factor of the number of data tones (Ndata). In various embodiments, a 1200 data tone block can have an interleaver depth of 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, 10, 12, 15, 16, 20, 24, 25, 30, 40, 48, 50, 60, 75, 80, 100, 120, 150, 200, 240, 300, 400, or 600. In various embodiments, a 1206 data tone block can have an interleaver depth of 2, 3, 6, 9, 18, 67, 134, 201, 402, or 603. In various embodiments, a 1212 data tone block can have an interleaver depth of 2, 3, 4, 6, 12, 101, 202, 303, 404, or 606. In various embodiments, a 1218 data tone block can have an interleaver depth of 2, 3, 6, 7, 14, 21, 29, 42, 58, 87, 174, 203, 406, or 609. In various embodiments, a 1224 data tone block can have an interleaver depth of 2, 3, 4, 6, 8, 9, 12, 17, 18, 24, 34, 36, 51, 68, 72, 102, 136, 153, 204, 306, 408, or 612. In various embodiments, a 1230 data tone block can have an interleaver depth of 2, 3, 5, 6, 10, 15, 30, 41, 82, 123, 205, 246, 410, or 615. In various embodiments, a 1232 data tone block can have an interleaver depth of 2, 4, 7, 8, 11, 14, 16, 22, 28, 44, 56, 77, 88, 112, 154, 176, 308, or 616. In various embodiments, a 1236 data tone block can have an interleaver depth of 2, 3, 4, 6, 12, 103, 206, 309, 412, or 618. In various embodiments, a 1242 data tone block can have an interleaver depth of 2, 3, 6, 9, 18, 23, 27, 46, 54, 69, 138, 207, 414, or 621.

A frequency rotation can be applied to the spatial streams if there is more than one spatial stream. The frequency rotation can be based on a base subcarrier rotation (NROT) and a rotation index. The base subcarrier rotation (NROT) and the rotation index can be based on the number of data tones (Ndata) and the number of spatial streams (Nss).

For example, if the data tone block has 4 or less spatial streams (Nss), the base subcarrier rotation (NROT) can be any of 290-321. The rotation index (e.g., the 6^(th) column) can be a bit reversal of [0 2 1 3] in this scenario. Alternatively, if the data tone block has more than 4 spatial streams (Nss), the base subcarrier rotation (NROT) can be any of 140-166. The rotation index (e.g., the 7th column) can be a bit reversal of [0 4 2 6 1 5 3 7] in some embodiments, or the rotation index can be chosen to maximize (or increase) an average subcarrier distance of adjacent streams in other embodiments (e.g., [0 5 2 7 3 6 1 4]). Although a rotation index of [0 5 2 7 3 6 1 4] is used herein as one example of an index maximizing average subcarrier distance, any other rotation indexes that maximizes (or increases) average subcarrier distance can be used. For example, any permutation which maximizes the average subcarrier distance of adjacent streams may be used, and [0 5 2 7 3 6 1 4] is only one example.

FIG. 27 is a chart illustrating candidate interleaver parameters for different numbers of data tones, according to a 1536-tone plan embodiment. In a particular embodiment, the interleaver depth (e.g., the number of columns (Ncol)) can be a factor of the number of data tones (Ndata). In various embodiments, a 1420 data tone block can have an interleaver depth of 2, 4, 5, 10, 20, 71, 142, 284, 355, or 710. In various embodiments, a 1422 data tone block can have an interleaver depth of 2, 3, 6, 9, 18, 79, 158, 237, 474, or 711. In various embodiments, a 1424 data tone block can have an interleaver depth of 2, 4, 8, 16, 89, 178, 356, or 712. In various embodiments, a 1426 data tone block can have an interleaver depth of 2, 23, 31, 46, 62, or 713. In various embodiments, a 1428 data tone block can have an interleaver depth of 2, 3, 4, 6, 7, 12, 14, 17, 21, 28, 34, 42, 51, 68, 84, 102, 119, 204, 238, 357, 476, or 714. In various embodiments, a 1430 data tone block can have an interleaver depth of 2, 5, 10, 11, 13, 22, 26, 55, 65, 110, 130, 143, 286, or 715. In various embodiments, a 1432 data tone block can have an interleaver depth of 2, 4, 8, 179, 358, or 716. In various embodiments, a 1434 data tone block can have an interleaver depth of 2, 3, 6, 239, 478, or 717. In various embodiments, a 1436 data tone block can have an interleaver depth of 2, 4, 359, or 718. In various embodiments, a 1438 data tone block can have an interleaver depth of 2 or 719. In various embodiments, a 1440 data tone block can have an interleaver depth of 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, 10, 12, 15, 16, 18, 20, 24, 30, 32, 36, 40, 45, 48, 60, 72, 80, 90, 96, 120, 144, 160, 180, 240, 288, 360, 480, or 720. In various embodiments, a 1452 data tone block can have an interleaver depth of 2, 3, 4, 6, 11, 12, 22, 33, 44, 66, 121, 132, 242, 363, 484, or 726. In various embodiments, a 1464 data tone block can have an interleaver depth of 2, 3, 4, 6, 8, 12, 24, 61, 122, 183, 244, 366, 488, or 732. In various embodiments, a 1470 data tone block can have an interleaver depth of 2, 3, 5, 6, 7, 10, 14, 15, 21, 30, 35, 42, 49, 70, 98, 105, 147, 210, 245, 294, 490, or 735. In various embodiments, a 1485 data tone block can have an interleaver depth of 3, 5, 9, 11, 15, 27, 33, 45, 55, 99, 135, 165, 297, or 495. In various embodiments, a 1488 data tone block can have an interleaver depth of 2, 3, 4, 6, 8, 12, 16, 24, 31, 48, 62, 93, 124, 186, 248, 372, 496, or 744. In various embodiments, a 1491 data tone block can have an interleaver depth of 3, 7, 21, 71, 213, or 497.

A frequency rotation can be applied to the spatial streams if there is more than one spatial stream. The frequency rotation can be based on a base subcarrier rotation (NROT) and a rotation index. The base subcarrier rotation (NROT) and the rotation index can be based on the number of data tones (Ndata) and the number of spatial streams (Nss).

For example, if the data tone block has 4 or less spatial streams (Nss), the base subcarrier rotation (NROT) can be any of 346-383. The rotation index (e.g., the 6^(th) column) can be a bit reversal of [0 2 1 3] in this scenario. Alternatively, if the data tone block has more than 4 spatial streams (Nss), the base subcarrier rotation (NROT) can be any of 167-187. The rotation index (e.g., the 7th column) can be a bit reversal of [0 4 2 6 1 5 3 7] in some embodiments, or the rotation index can be chosen to maximize (or increase) an average subcarrier distance of adjacent streams in other embodiments (e.g., [0 5 2 7 3 6 1 4]). Although a rotation index of [0 5 2 7 3 6 1 4] is used herein as one example of an index maximizing average subcarrier distance, any other rotation indexes that maximizes (or increases) average subcarrier distance can be used. For example, any permutation which maximizes the average subcarrier distance of adjacent streams may be used, and [0 5 2 7 3 6 1 4] is only one example.

FIG. 28 is a chart illustrating candidate interleaver parameters for different numbers of data tones, according to a 1792-tone plan embodiment. In a particular embodiment, the interleaver depth (e.g., the number of columns (Ncol)) can be a factor of the number of data tones (Ndata). In various embodiments, a 1660 data tone block can have an interleaver depth of 2, 4, 5, 10, 20, 83, 166, 332, 415 or 830. In various embodiments, a 1664 data tone block can have an interleaver depth of 2, 4, 8, 13, 16, 26, 32, 52, 64, 104, 128, 208, 416, or 832. In various embodiments, a 1668 data tone block can have an interleaver depth of 2, 3, 4, 6, 12, 139, 278, 417, 556, or 834. In various embodiments, a 1672 data tone block can have an interleaver depth of 2, 4, 8, 11, 19, 22, 38, 44, 76, 88, 152, 209, 418, or 836. In various embodiments, a 1680 data tone block can have an interleaver depth of 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 10, 12, 14, 15, 16, 20, 21, 24, 28, 30, 35, 40, 42, 48, 56, 60, 70, 80, 84, 105, 112, 120, 140, 168, 210, 240, 280, 336, 420, 560, or 840. In various embodiments, a 1688 data tone block can have an interleaver depth of 2, 4, 8, 211, 422, or 844. In various embodiments, a 1692 data tone block can have an interleaver depth of 2, 3, 4, 6, 9, 12, 18, 36, 47, 94, 141, 188, 282, 423, 564, or 846. In various embodiments, a 1696 data tone block can have an interleaver depth of 2, 4, 8, 16, 32, 53, 106A, 212, 424, or 848. In various embodiments, a 1700 data tone block can have an interleaver depth of 2, 4, 5, 10, 17, 20, 25, 34, 50, 68, 85, 100, 170, 340, 425, or 850. In various embodiments, a 1704 data tone block can have an interleaver depth of 2, 3, 4, 6, 8, 12, 24, 71, 142, 213, 284, 426, 568, or 852. In various embodiments, a 1708 data tone block can have an interleaver depth of 2, 4, 7, 14, 28, 61, 122, 244, 427, or 854. In various embodiments, a 1710 data tone block can have an interleaver depth of 2, 3, 5, 6, 9, 10, 15, 18, 19, 30, 38, 45, 57, 90, 95, 114, 171, 190, 285, 342, 570, or 855. In various embodiments, a 1712 data tone block can have an interleaver depth of 2, 4, 8, 16, 107, 214, 428, or 856. In various embodiments, a 1716 data tone block can have an interleaver depth of 2, 3, 4, 6, 11, 12, 13, 22, 26, 33, 39, 44, 52, 66, 78, 132, 143, 156, 286, 429, 572, or 858. In various embodiments, a 1720 data tone block can have an interleaver depth of 2, 4, 5, 8, 10, 20, 40, 43, 86, 172, 215, 344, 430, or 860. In various embodiments, a 1728 data tone block can have an interleaver depth of 2, 3, 4, 6, 8, 9, 12, 16, 18, 24, 27, 32, 36, 48, 54, 64, 72, 96, 108, 144, 192, 216, 288, 432, 576, or 864. In various embodiments, a 1740 data tone block can have an interleaver depth of 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 10, 12, 15, 20, 29, 30, 58, 60, 87, 116, 145, 174, 290, 348, 435, 580, or 870. In various embodiments, a 1745 data tone block can have an interleaver depth of 5 or 349.

A frequency rotation can be applied to the spatial streams if there is more than one spatial stream. The frequency rotation can be based on a base subcarrier rotation (NROT) and a rotation index. The base subcarrier rotation (NROT) and the rotation index can be based on the number of data tones (Ndata) and the number of spatial streams (Nss). For example, if the data tone block has 4 or less spatial streams (Nss), the base subcarrier rotation (NROT) can be any of 405-447. The rotation index (e.g., the 6^(th) column) can be a bit reversal of [0 2 1 3] in this scenario. Alternatively, if the data tone block has more than 4 spatial streams (Nss), the base subcarrier rotation (NROT) can be any of 197-229. The rotation index (e.g., the 7th column) can be a bit reversal of [0 4 2 6 1 5 3 7] in some embodiments, or the rotation index can be chosen to maximize (or increase) an average subcarrier distance of adjacent streams in other embodiments (e.g., [0 5 2 7 3 6 1 4]). Although a rotation index of [0 5 2 7 3 6 1 4] is used herein as one example of an index maximizing average subcarrier distance, any other rotation indexes that maximizes (or increases) average subcarrier distance can be used. For example, any permutation which maximizes the average subcarrier distance of adjacent streams may be used, and [0 5 2 7 3 6 1 4] is only one example.

Referring back to FIG. 17, the outputs of each interleaver 1108 a-1108 c (e.g., transmit streams) can be provided to the corresponding modulator 1102 a-1102 c. Each modulator 1102 a-1102 c can be configured to modulate the corresponding transmit stream and pass the modulated transmit stream to the corresponding transmission circuit 1110 a-1110 c. In a particular embodiment, the bits (e.g., the transmit streams) can be modulated using Quadrature Phase Shift Keying (QPSK) modulation, Binary Phase Shift Keying (BPSK) modulation, or Quadrature Amplitude Modulation (QAM) (e.g., 16-QAM, 64-QAM, 256-QAM). The transmission circuits 1110 a-1110 c can be configure to transmit the modulated transmit streams over a wireless network (e.g., an IEEE 802.11 wireless network) via the corresponding antennas 1112 a-1112 c.

In a particular embodiment, the antennas 1112 a-1112 c are distinct and spatially separated antennas. In another embodiment, distinct signal can be combined into different polarizations and transmitted via a subset of the antennas 1112 a-1112 c. For example, the distinct signals can be combined where spatial rotation or spatial spreading is performed and multiple spatial streams are mapped to a single antenna.

The receive circuits 1116 a-1116 c of the destination device 1029 can receive the interleaved encoded bits via the corresponding antennas 1114 a-1114 c. The outputs of the receive circuits 1116 a-1116 c are provided to the MIMO detector 1118, and the output of the MIMO detector 1118 is provided to the decoder 1120. In a particular embodiment, the MIMO detector 1118 can include a deinterleaving system configured to perform reverse operations of the interleaving system 1014. The decoder 1120 can output received bits which, without unrecoverable errors, are the same as the transmitted bits provided to the encoder 1104.

Generally, LDPC tone mapping distance (DTM) is defined in the IEEE 802.11ac specification. The mapping distance (DTM) can be at least as large as the number of coded bits per OFDM symbol (NCBPS) divided by the LDPC codeword length (LCW) (e.g., NCBPS/LCW≦DTM) so that each LDPC codeword covers the full range of tones. Additionally, the mapping distance (DTM) can be an integer divisor of the number of subcarriers (Ndata). The mapping distance (DTM) can be constant over rates within each bandwidth to enable a tone de-mapper implemented at a Fast Fourier Transform (FFT) module of the receive circuits 1116 a-1116 c with fixed tone processing.

MCS validity is defined in the IEEE 802.11ac specification. Generally, the rule for determining whether an MCS is valid is that the number of coded bits per subcarrier must be an integer multiple of the number of encoding streams. Further, the number of coded bits per encoding stream must be an integer multiple of the denominator in the code rate. Accordingly, certain MCS and spatial stream combinations may be invalid when these conditions are not met. Thus, for each potential Ndata value discussed above, a number of exclusions are provided, along with the listing of the various exclusions. In some aspects, it may be beneficial to select a value of Ndata that has a minimum number of exclusions.

FIG. 29 is a chart illustrating candidate interleaver parameters for different numbers of data tones, according to another 64-tone plan embodiment. In a particular embodiment, the interleaver depth (e.g., the number of columns (Ncol)) can be a factor of the number of data tones (Ndata). In various embodiments, a 38 data tone block can have an interleaver depth of 2 or 19. In various embodiments, a 40 data tone block can have an interleaver depth 2, 4, 5, 8, 10, or 20. In various embodiments, a 42 data tone block can have an interleaver depth of 2, 3, 6, 7, 14, or 21. In various embodiments, a 44 data tone block can have an interleaver depth of 2, 4, 11, or 22. In various embodiments, a 46 data tone block can have an interleaver depth of 2 or 23. In various embodiments, a 48 data tone block can have an interleaver depth of 2, 3, 4, 6, 8, 12, 16, or 24.

A frequency rotation can be applied to the spatial streams if there is more than one spatial stream. The frequency rotation can be based on a base subcarrier rotation (NROT) and a rotation index. The base subcarrier rotation (NROT) and the rotation index can be based on the number of data tones (Ndata) and the number of spatial streams (Nss).

For example, if the data tone block has 4 or less spatial streams (Nss), the base subcarrier rotation (NROT) can be any of 1-16. The rotation index (e.g., the 6^(th) column of FIG. 29) can be a bit reversal of [0 2 1 3] in this scenario. Alternatively, if the data tone block has more than 4 spatial streams (Nss), the base subcarrier rotation (NROT) can be any of 1-10. The rotation index (e.g., the 7th column of FIG. 29) can be a bit reversal of [0 4 2 6 1 5 3 7] in some embodiments, or the rotation index can be chosen to maximize (or increase) an average subcarrier distance of adjacent streams in other embodiments (e.g., [0 5 2 7 3 6 1 4]). Although a rotation index of [0 5 2 7 3 6 1 4] is used herein as one example of an index maximizing average subcarrier distance, any other rotation indexes that maximize (or increase) average subcarrier distance can be used. For example, any permutation which maximizes the average subcarrier distance of adjacent streams may be used, and [0 5 2 7 3 6 1 4] is only one example.

FIG. 30 is a chart illustrating candidate interleaver parameters for different numbers of data tones, according to another 128-tone plan embodiment. In a particular embodiment, the interleaver depth (e.g., the number of columns (NCOL)) can be a factor of the number of data tones (Ndata). In various embodiments, a 96 data tone block can have an interleaver depth of 2, 3, 4, 6, 8, 12, 16, 24, 32, or 48. In various embodiments, a 98 data tone block can have an interleaver depth 2, 7, 14, or 49. In various embodiments, a 100 data tone block can have an interleaver depth of 2, 4, 5, 10, 20, 25, or 50. In various embodiments, a 102 data tone block can have an interleaver depth of 2, 3, 6, 17, 34, or 51. In various embodiments, a 104 data tone block can have an interleaver depth of 2, 4, 8, 13, 26, or 52. In various embodiments, a 106A data tone block can have an interleaver depth of 2 or 53.

A frequency rotation can be applied to the spatial streams if there is more than one spatial stream. The frequency rotation can be based on a base subcarrier rotation (NROT) and a rotation index. The base subcarrier rotation (NROT) and the rotation index can be based on the number of data tones (Ndata) and the number of spatial streams (Nss).

For example, if the data tone block has 4 or less spatial streams (Nss), the base subcarrier rotation (NROT) can be any of 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, or 31. The rotation index (e.g., the 6^(th) column of FIG. 30) can be a bit reversal of [0 2 1 3] in this scenario. Alternatively, if the data tone block has more than 4 spatial streams (Nss), the base subcarrier rotation (NROT) can be any of 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, or 18. The rotation index (e.g., the 7th column of FIG. 30) can be a bit reversal of [0 4 2 6 1 5 3 7] in some embodiments, or the rotation index can be chosen to maximize (or increase) an average subcarrier distance of adjacent streams in other embodiments (e.g., [0 5 2 7 3 6 1 4]). Although a rotation index of [0 5 2 7 3 6 1 4] is used herein as one example of an index maximizing average subcarrier distance, any other rotation indexes that maximize (or increase) average subcarrier distance can be used.

FIG. 31 is a chart illustrating candidate interleaver parameters for different numbers of data tones, according to another 256-tone plan embodiment. In a particular embodiment, the interleaver depth (e.g., the number of columns (NCOL)) can be a factor of the number of data tones (Ndata). In various embodiments, a 216 data tone block can have an interleaver depth of 2, 3, 4, 6, 8, 9, 12, 18, 24, 27, 36, 54, 72, or 108. In various embodiments, a 218 data tone block can have an interleaver depth 2 or 109. In various embodiments, a 220 data tone block can have an interleaver depth of 2, 4, 5, 10, 11, 20, 22, 44, 55, or 110. In various embodiments, a 222 data tone block can have an interleaver depth of 2, 3, 6, 37, 74, or 111. In various embodiments, a 224 data tone block can have an interleaver depth of 2, 4, 7, 8, 14, 16, 28, 32, 56, or 112. In various embodiments, a 225 data tone block can have an interleaver depth of 3, 5, 9, 15, 25, 45, or 75. In various embodiments, a 226 data tone block can have an interleaver depth of 2 or 113. In various embodiments, a 228 data tone block can have an interleaver depth of 2, 3, 4, 6, 12, 19, 38, 57, 76, or 114. In various embodiments, a 230 data tone block can have an interleaver depth of 2, 5, 10, 23, 46, or 115. In various embodiments, a 232 data tone block can have an interleaver depth of 2, 4, 8, 29, 58, or 116.

A frequency rotation can be applied to the spatial streams if there is more than one spatial stream. The frequency rotation can be based on a base subcarrier rotation (NROT) and a rotation index. The base subcarrier rotation (NROT) and the rotation index can be based on the number of data tones (Ndata) and the number of spatial streams (Nss).

For example, if the data tone block has 4 or less spatial streams (Nss), the base subcarrier rotation (NROT) can be any of 50, 51, 52, 53, 54, 55, 56, 57, 58, 59, 60, 61, or 62. The rotation index (e.g., the 6^(th) column of FIG. 31) can be a bit reversal of [0 2 1 3] in this scenario. Alternatively, if the data tone block has more than 4 spatial streams (Nss), the base subcarrier rotation (NROT) can be any of 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, or 33. The rotation index (e.g., the 7th column of FIG. 31) can be a bit reversal of [0 4 2 6 1 5 3 7] in some embodiments, or the rotation index can be chosen to maximize (or increase) an average subcarrier distance of adjacent streams in other embodiments (e.g., [0 5 2 7 3 6 1 4]). Although a rotation index of [0 5 2 7 3 6 1 4] is used herein as one example of an index maximizing average subcarrier distance, any other rotation indexes that maximize (or increase) average subcarrier distance can be used.

FIG. 32 is a chart illustrating candidate interleaver parameters for different numbers of data tones, according to another 512-tone plan embodiment. In a particular embodiment, the interleaver depth (e.g., the number of columns (NCOL)) can be a factor of the number of data tones (Ndata). In various embodiments, a 474 data tone block can have an interleaver depth of 2, 3, 6, 79, 158, or 237. In various embodiments, a 476 data tone block can have an interleaver depth of 2, 4, 7, 14, 17, 28, 34, 68, 119, or 238. In various embodiments, a 480 data tone block can have an interleaver depth of 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, 10, 12, 15, 16, 20, 24, 30, 32, 40, 48, 60, 80, 96, 120, 160, or 240.

A frequency rotation can be applied to the spatial streams if there is more than one spatial stream. The frequency rotation can be based on a base subcarrier rotation (NROT) and a rotation index. The base subcarrier rotation (NROT) and the rotation index can be based on the number of data tones (Ndata) and the number of spatial streams (Nss).

For example, if the data tone block has 4 or less spatial streams (Nss), the base subcarrier rotation (NROT) can be any of 113, 114, 115, 116, 117, 118, 119, 120, 121, 122, 123, 124, 125, 126, or 127. The rotation index (e.g., the 6^(th) column of FIG. 32) can be a bit reversal of [0 2 1 3] in this scenario. Alternatively, if the data tone block has more than 4 spatial streams (Nss), the base subcarrier rotation (NROT) can be any of 54, 55, 56, 57, 58, 59, 60, 61, 62, 63, 64, 65, or 66. The rotation index (e.g., the 7th column of FIG. 32) can be a bit reversal of [0 4 2 6 1 5 3 7] in some embodiments, or the rotation index can be chosen to maximize (or increase) an average subcarrier distance of adjacent streams in other embodiments (e.g., [0 5 2 7 3 6 1 4]). Although a rotation index of [0 5 2 7 3 6 1 4] is used herein as one example of an index maximizing average subcarrier distance, any other rotation indexes that maximize (or increase) average subcarrier distance can be used.

FIG. 33 is a chart illustrating candidate interleaver parameters for different numbers of data tones, according to another 1024-tone plan embodiment. In a particular embodiment, the interleaver depth (e.g., the number of columns (NCOL)) can be a factor of the number of data tones (Ndata). In various embodiments, a 948 data tone block can have an interleaver depth of 2, 3, 4, 6, 12, 79, 158, 237, 316, or 474. In various embodiments, a 960 data tone block can have an interleaver depth of 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, 10, 12, 15, 16, 20, 24, 30, 32, 40, 48, 60, 64, 80, 96, 120, 160, 192, 240, 320, or 480. In various embodiments, a 972 data tone block can have an interleaver depth of 2, 3, 4, 6, 9, 12, 18, 27, 36, 54, 81, 108, 162, 243, 324, or 486. In various embodiments, a 980 data tone block can have an interleaver depth of 2, 4, 5, 7, 10, 14, 20, 28, 35, 49, 70, 98, 140, 196, 245, or 490. In various embodiments, a 984 data tone block can have an interleaver depth of 2, 3, 4, 6, 8, 12, 24, 41, 82, 123, 164, 246, 328, or 492. In various embodiments, a 990 data tone block can have an interleaver depth of 2, 3, 5, 6, 9, 10, 11, 15, 18, 22, 30, 33, 45, 55, 66, 90, 99, 110, 165, 198, 330, or 495. In various embodiments, a 996 data tone block can have an interleaver depth of 2, 3, 4, 6, 12, 83, 166, 249, 332, or 498.

A frequency rotation can be applied to the spatial streams if there is more than one spatial stream. The frequency rotation can be based on a base subcarrier rotation (NROT) and a rotation index. The base subcarrier rotation (NROT) and the rotation index can be based on the number of data tones (Ndata) and the number of spatial streams (Nss).

For example, if the data tone block has 4 or less spatial streams (Nss), the base subcarrier rotation (NROT) can be any of 232, 233, 234, 235, 236, 237, 238, 239, 240, 241, 242, 243, 244, 245, 246, 247, 248, 249, 250, 251, 252, 253, or 254. The rotation index (e.g., the 6^(th) column of FIG. 33) can be a bit reversal of [0 2 1 3] in this scenario. Alternatively, if the data tone block has more than 4 spatial streams (Nss), the base subcarrier rotation (NROT) can be any of 113, 114, 115, 116, 117, 118, 119, 120, 121, 122, 123, 124, 125, 126, 127, 128, 129, or 130. The rotation index (e.g., the 7th column of FIG. 33) can be a bit reversal of [0 4 2 6 1 5 3 7] in some embodiments, or the rotation index can be chosen to maximize (or increase) an average subcarrier distance of adjacent streams in other embodiments (e.g., [0 5 2 7 3 6 1 4]). Although a rotation index of [0 5 2 7 3 6 1 4] is used herein as one example of an index maximizing average subcarrier distance, any other rotation indexes that maximize (or increase) average subcarrier distance can be used.

FIG. 34 shows upper bounds for 320-tone, 25 MHz tone plans according to various embodiments. In a 40 MHz OFDMA transmission, the number of data tones in a 25 MHz portion when there are 3 DC tones may be Floor(488*5/8)=305. In a 40 MHz OFDMA transmission, the number of data tones in a 25 MHz portion when there are 5 DC tones may be Floor(486*5/8)=303. In a 40 MHz OFDMA transmission, the number of data tones in a 25 MHz portion when there are 7 DC tones may be Floor(484*5/8)=302. In a 40 MHz OFDMA transmission, the number of data tones in a 25 MHz portion when there are 11 DC tones may be Floor(480*5/8)=300.

In a 80 or 160 MHz OFDMA transmission, the number of data tones in a 25 MHz portion when there are 3 DC tones may be Floor(998*5/16)=311. In a 80 or 160 MHz OFDMA transmission, the number of data tones in a 25 MHz portion when there are 5 DC tones may be Floor(996*5/16)=311. In a 80 or 160 MHz OFDMA transmission, the number of data tones in a 25 MHz portion when there are 7 DC tones may be Floor(994*5/16)=310. In a 80 or 160 MHz OFDMA transmission, the number of data tones in a 25 MHz portion when there are 11 DC tones may be Floor(990*5/16)=309. Accordingly, the unified upper bound for a 320-tone transmission may be 311 data tones. This is the highest number of data tones possible, in any of the listed configurations.

FIG. 35 shows upper bounds for 576-tone, 45 MHz tone plans according to various embodiments. In a 80 or 160 MHz OFDMA transmission, the number of data tones in a 45 MHz portion when there are 3 DC tones may be Floor(998*9/16)=561. In a 80 or 160 MHz OFDMA transmission, the number of data tones in a 45 MHz portion when there are 5 DC tones may be Floor(996*9/16)=560. In a 80 or 160 MHz OFDMA transmission, the number of data tones in a 45 MHz portion when there are 7 DC tones may be Floor(994*9/16)=559. In a 80 or 160 MHz OFDMA transmission, the number of data tones in a 45 MHz portion when there are 11 DC tones may be Floor(990*9/16)=556. Accordingly, the unified upper bound for a 576-tone transmission may be 561 data tones. This is the highest number of data tones possible, in any of the listed configurations.

FIG. 36 shows upper bounds for 640-tone, 50 MHz tone plans according to various embodiments. In a 80 or 160 MHz OFDMA transmission, the number of data tones in a 50 MHz portion when there are 3 DC tones may be Floor(998*5/8)=623. In a 80 or 160 MHz OFDMA transmission, the number of data tones in a 50 MHz portion when there are 5 DC tones may be Floor(996*5/8)=622. In a 80 or 160 MHz OFDMA transmission, the number of data tones in a 50 MHz portion when there are 7 DC tones may be Floor(994*5/8)=621. In a 80 or 160 MHz OFDMA transmission, the number of data tones in a 50 MHz portion when there are 11 DC tones may be Floor(990*5/8)=618. Accordingly, the unified upper bound for a 640-tone transmission may be 623 data tones. This is the highest number of data tones possible, in any of the listed configurations.

FIG. 37 shows upper bounds for 1088-tone, 85 MHz tone plans according to various embodiments. In a 80 or 160 MHz OFDMA transmission, the number of data tones in a 85 MHz portion when there are 3 DC tones may be Floor(998*17/16)=1060. In a 80 or 160 MHz OFDMA transmission, the number of data tones in a 85 MHz portion when there are 5 DC tones may be Floor(996*17/16)=1058. In a 80 or 160 MHz OFDMA transmission, the number of data tones in a 85 MHz portion when there are 7 DC tones may be Floor(994*17/16)=1056. In a 80 or 160 MHz OFDMA transmission, the number of data tones in a 85 MHz portion when there are 11 DC tones may be Floor(990*17/16)=1051. Accordingly, the unified upper bound for a 1088-tone transmission may be 1060 data tones. This is the highest number of data tones possible, in any of the listed configurations.

FIG. 38 shows upper bounds for 1152-tone, 90 MHz tone plans according to various embodiments. In a 80 or 160 MHz OFDMA transmission, the number of data tones in a 90 MHz portion when there are 3 DC tones may be Floor(998*9/8)=1122. In a 80 or 160 MHz OFDMA transmission, the number of data tones in a 90 MHz portion when there are 5 DC tones may be Floor(996*9/8)=1120. In a 80 or 160 MHz OFDMA transmission, the number of data tones in a 90 MHz portion when there are 7 DC tones may be Floor(994*9/8)=1118. In a 80 or 160 MHz OFDMA transmission, the number of data tones in a 90 MHz portion when there are 11 DC tones may be Floor(990*9/8)=113. Accordingly, the unified upper bound for a 1152-tone transmission may be 1122 data tones. This is the highest number of data tones possible, in any of the listed configurations.

In various embodiments, one or more sub-bands can be formed by multiple allocation units. The multiple allocation units can be selected from 1× and/or 4× OFDMA tone plans. In various embodiments, multiple allocation units can be two or more separate allocation units. For example, OFDMA sub-band bandwidths of 2.5, 5, 7.5, 10, 12.5, 15, 17.5, 20, 25, 30, 45, 50, 60, 85, 90, 100, 120, and/or 140 MHz sub-bands can be formed from two or more separate allocation units selected from 2.5, 5, 10, 20, 40, and 80 MHz sub-band tone plans, such as those discussed herein, or any other plan. Selecting multiple allocation units can increase throughput while decreasing the number of tone plans, and may reduce the number of MCS exclusions. In some instances, the data for the same user in different frequency allocation units may be encoded/decoded separately or jointly, and the coded bits for the same user in different frequency allocation units may be interleaved/de-interleaved separately.

Each of the multiple allocation units can include separately encoded/decoded and separately interleaved/deinterleaved tone plans. Thus, Ndata (the number of data tones) and Npilot (the number of pilot tones) are the sum of all data and pilot tones among the multiple selected allocation units, respectively. Leftover tones (for example, upper bounds minus Ndata) can be assigned to additional DC tones, pilot tones, edge guard tones, and/or UL user guard tones, used for tracking refinement, channel estimation refinement, and/or for carrying additional information such as ACKs, sub-band sounding, power control commands, MCS up/down control commands, etc. Each allocation unit is encoded/interleaved by itself and has its BCC interleaving depth NCOL and LDPC tone mapping distance DTM. The excluded combinations of MCS and number of data streams is the union of the combinations of all OFDMA allocation units that form the sub-band.

FIG. 39 shows exemplary sub-band formation using multiple allocation units, according to various embodiments. In particular, FIG. 39 shows how 15, 25, 30, 45, 50, 60, 85, 90, 100, 120, and/or 140 MHz sub-bands can be formed from two or more separate allocation units selected from 5, 10, 20, 40, and 80 MHz sub-bands. For example, a 15 MHz sub-band can be formed by multiple allocation of a 5 MHz sub-band and a 10 MHz sub-band, having a 192-tone plan formed using a 64-tone plan in conjunction with a 128-tone plan

As another example, a 25 MHz sub-band can be formed by multiple allocation of a 5 MHz sub-band and a 20 MHz sub-band, having a 320-tone plan formed using a 64-tone plan in conjunction with a 256-tone plan. As another example, a 30 MHz sub-band can be formed by multiple allocation of a 10 MHz sub-band and a 20 MHz sub-band, having a 384-tone plan formed using a 128-tone plan in conjunction with a 256-tone plan. As another example, a 45 MHz sub-band can be formed by multiple allocation of a 5 MHz sub-band and a 40 MHz sub-band, having a 576-tone plan formed using a 64-tone plan in conjunction with a 512-tone plan.

As another example, a 50 MHz sub-band can be formed by multiple allocation of a 10 MHz sub-band and a 40 MHz sub-band, having a 640-tone plan formed using a 128-tone plan in conjunction with a 512-tone plan. As another example, a 60 MHz sub-band can be formed by multiple allocation of a 20 MHz sub-band and a 40 MHz sub-band, having a 768-tone plan formed using a 256-tone plan in conjunction with a 512-tone plan. As another example, an 85 MHz sub-band can be formed by multiple allocation of a 5 MHz sub-band and an 80 MHz sub-band, having a 1088-tone plan formed using a 64-tone plan in conjunction with a 1024-tone plan.

As another example, a 90 MHz sub-band can be formed by multiple allocation of a 10 MHz sub-band and an 80 MHz sub-band, having a 1152-tone plan formed using a 128-tone plan in conjunction with a 1024-tone plan. As another example, a 100 MHz sub-band can be formed by multiple allocation of a 20 MHz sub-band and an 80 MHz sub-band, having a 1280-tone plan formed using a 256-tone plan in conjunction with a 1024-tone plan. As another example, a 120 MHz sub-band can be formed by multiple allocation of a 40 MHz sub-band and an 80 MHz sub-band, having a 1536-tone plan formed using a 512-tone plan in conjunction with a 1024-tone plan.

Although many example multiple allocation units discussed herein include two separate allocation units, combinations of three or more separate allocation units are contemplated. For example, a 140 MHz sub-band can be formed by multiple allocation of a 20 MHz sub-band, a 40 MHz sub-band, and an 80 MHz sub-band, having a 1792-tone plan formed using a 256-tone plan in conjunction with a 512-tone plan and a 1024-tone plan.

Although FIG. 39 shows exemplary tone plan configurations, in various embodiments, tone plans for sub-bands can be determined according to any combination of one or more of the following criteria: an upper bound based on whether the sub-band is a SU bandwidth or an OFDMA bandwidth for a specific total bandwidth, a number of DC tones based on a CFO parameter, a number of guard tones based on a DL/UL spectral mask parameter and/or minimization of interference between STAs in UL, and a number of pilot tones based on a sufficient pilot tone parameter for each DL/UL OFDMA user. Accordingly, a number of leftover tones desired can be determined, and Ndata chosen based on the upper bound minus the desired leftover tones.

FIG. 40 shows a flowchart 4000 of an exemplary method of wireless communication that can be employed within the wireless communication system 100 of FIG. 1. The method can be implemented in whole or in part by the devices described herein, such as the AP 104 (FIG. 1), any of the STAs 106A-106D (FIG. 1), the wireless device 202 shown in FIG. 2, the devices 1010, 1020, 1030, or 1040 (FIG. 16). Although the illustrated method is described herein with reference to the wireless communication system 100 discussed above with respect to FIG. 1, the wireless device 202 discussed above with respect to FIG. 2, the system 1000 of FIG. 16, a person having ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the illustrated method can be implemented by another device described herein, or any other suitable device. Although the illustrated method is described herein with reference to a particular order, in various embodiments, blocks herein can be performed in a different order, or omitted, and additional blocks can be added.

First, at block 4010, the wireless device determines allocations for a plurality of channels for communication of a wireless message. For example, the AP 104 can retrieve stored allocations from a memory, or dynamically determine the allocations, and can transmit the allocations to the STA 106A. The STA 106A can receive the allocations, can retrieve the allocations from a memory, or can dynamically determine the allocations. For example, the STA 106A can receive allocations for 5 MHz and 10 MHz sub-bands.

In various embodiments, determining allocations for the plurality of channels can include receiving allocations for a combination of 2.5 MHz, 5 MHz, 10 MHz, 20 MHz, 40 MHz, and 80 MHz channels. In various embodiments, determining allocations for the plurality of channels can include receiving allocations for a combination of channels associated with 32-, 64-, 128-, 256-, 512-, and 1024-tone plans. For example, allocations and tone plans can be determined, transmitted, and/or received in accordance with FIG. 39, or any other disclosure herein.

Next, at block 4020, the wireless device selects a combined tone plan based on tone plans associated with each of the plurality of allocated channels. For example, the STA 106A can select a 192-tone plan associated with a 15 MHz bandwidth based on allocations of 5 MHz and 10 MHz sub-bands. In various embodiments, tone plans can be associated with sub-channel allocations in accordance with FIG. 39, or any other disclosure herein.

In various embodiments, selecting the combined tone plan can include selecting a combination of two or more 26-, 52-, 106-, 242-, 484-, and 996-tone allocation units and selecting a tone plan having one of 150, 282, 336, 516, 570, 702, 1028, 1082, 1214, 1448, or 1682 data tones as the combined tone plan based on the selected combination. For example, the STA 106A can select a 64-tone plan for combination with a 128-tone plan and form a 192-tone plan. As another example, the STA 106A can select the 192-tone plan based on the 64-tone plan combined with the 128-tone plan.

In various embodiments, selecting the combined tone plan can include at least one of: selecting a 192-tone plan based on a 64-tone plan combined with a 128-tone plan for transmission over a 15 MHz bandwidth, selecting a 320-tone plan based on a 64-tone plan combined with a 256-tone plan for transmission over a 25 MHz bandwidth, selecting a 384-tone plan based on a 128-tone plan combined with a 256-tone plan for transmission over a 30 MHz bandwidth, selecting a 576-tone plan based on a 64-tone plan combined with a 512-tone plan for transmission over a 45 MHz bandwidth, selecting a 640-tone plan based on a 128-tone plan combined with a 512-tone plan for transmission over a 50 MHz bandwidth, selecting a 768-tone plan based on a 256-tone plan combined with a 512-tone plan for transmission over a 60 MHz bandwidth, selecting a 1088-tone plan based on a 64-tone plan combined with a 1024-tone plan for transmission over a 85 MHz bandwidth, selecting a 1152-tone plan based on a 128-tone plan combined with a 1024-tone plan for transmission over a 90 MHz bandwidth, selecting a 1280-tone plan based on a 256-tone plan combined with a 1024-tone plan for transmission over a 100 MHz bandwidth, selecting a 1536-tone plan based on a 512-tone plan combined with a 1024-tone plan for transmission over a 120 MHz bandwidth, and selecting a 1792-tone plan based on a 256-tone plan combined with a 512-tone plan and a 1024-tone plan for transmission over a 140 MHz bandwidth.

In various embodiments, selecting the combined tone plan can include at least one of: forming a 192-tone plan from a 64-tone plan combined with a 128-tone plan for transmission over a 15 MHz bandwidth, forming a 320-tone plan from a 64-tone plan combined with a 256-tone plan for transmission over a 25 MHz bandwidth, forming a 384-tone plan from a 128-tone plan combined with a 256-tone plan for transmission over a 30 MHz bandwidth, forming a 576-tone plan from a 64-tone plan combined with a 512-tone plan for transmission over a 45 MHz bandwidth, forming a 640-tone plan from a 128-tone plan combined with a 512-tone plan for transmission over a 50 MHz bandwidth, forming a 768-tone plan from a 256-tone plan combined with a 512-tone plan for transmission over a 60 MHz bandwidth, forming a 1088-tone plan from a 64-tone plan combined with a 1024-tone plan for transmission over a 85 MHz bandwidth, forming a 1152-tone plan from a 128-tone plan combined with a 1024-tone plan for transmission over a 90 MHz bandwidth, forming a 1280-tone plan from a 256-tone plan combined with a 1024-tone plan for transmission over a 100 MHz bandwidth, forming a 1536-tone plan from a 512-tone plan combined with a 1024-tone plan for transmission over a 120 MHz bandwidth, and forming a 1792-tone plan from a 256-tone plan combined with a 512-tone plan and a 1024-tone plan for transmission over a 140 MHz bandwidth.

In various embodiments, selecting the combined tone plan can include selecting a multiple of 32-tone plans and selecting one of a 64-, 96-, 128-, 160-, 192-, 224-, 256-tone plan based on the selected multiple.

In various embodiments, selecting the combined tone plan can include at least one of: selecting a 64-tone plan based on a combination of two 32-tone plans for transmission over a 5 MHz bandwidth; selecting a 96-tone plan based on a combination of three 32-tone plans for transmission over a 7.5 MHz bandwidth; selecting a 128-tone plan based on a combination of four 32-tone plans for transmission over a 10 MHz bandwidth; selecting a 160-tone plan based on a combination of five 32-tone plans for transmission over a 12.5 MHz bandwidth; selecting a 192-tone plan based on a combination of six 32-tone plans for transmission over a 15 MHz bandwidth; selecting a 224-tone plan based on a combination of seven 32-tone plans for transmission over a 17.5 MHz bandwidth; and selecting a 256-tone plan based on a combination of eight 32-tone plans for transmission over a 20 MHz bandwidth.

In various embodiments, forming the combined tone plan can include at least one of: forming a 64-tone plan from a combination of two 32-tone plans for transmission over a 5 MHz bandwidth; forming a 96-tone plan from a combination of three 32-tone plans for transmission over a 7.5 MHz bandwidth; forming a 128-tone plan from a combination of four 32-tone plans for transmission over a 10 MHz bandwidth; forming a 160-tone plan from a combination of five 32-tone plans for transmission over a 12.5 MHz bandwidth; forming a 192-tone plan from a combination of six 32-tone plans for transmission over a 15 MHz bandwidth; forming a 224-tone plan from a combination of seven 32-tone plans for transmission over a 17.5 MHz bandwidth; and forming a 256-tone plan from a combination of eight 32-tone plans for transmission over a 20 MHz bandwidth.

Then, at block 4030, the wireless device provides the wireless message for transmission according to the combined tone plan. For example, the STA 106A can transmit the wireless message over 15 MHz in accordance with the 192-tone plan, as a result of combining the 64-tone plan of the 5 MHz sub-band with the 128-tone plan of the 10 MHz sub-band.

In various embodiments, providing the wireless message for transmission can include providing the wireless message for transmission over one of a 15 MHz, 25 MHz, 30 MHz, 45 MHz, 50 MHz, 60 MHz, 85 MHz, 90 MHz, 100 MHz, 120 MHz, or 140 MHz channel according to one of 192-, 320-, 384-, 576-, 640-, 768-, 1088, 1152-, 1280-, 1536-, or 1792-tone plan.

In various embodiments, providing the wireless message for transmission can include separately encoding data over each allocated channel according to an associated tone plan. For example, the STA 106A can separately encode the 5 MHz sub-band according to the 64-tone plan and the 10 MHz sub-band according to the 128-tone plan.

In various embodiments, providing the wireless message for transmission can include separately interleaving data over each allocated channel according to an associated tone plan. For example, the STA 106A can separately interleave the 5 MHz sub-band according to the 64-tone plan and the 10 MHz sub-band according to the 128-tone plan.

In various embodiments, providing the wireless message for transmission can include jointly encoding data, over all allocated channels of one user, according to an associated tone plan, and independently interleaving the first allocation unit and the second allocation unit.

In various embodiments, the method can further include receiving another message over the plurality of allocated channels according to the combined tone plan. For example, both the AP 104 and the STA 106A can transmit, receive, or both, according to the allocated channels and selected tone plan(s).

In an embodiment, the methods shown in FIG. 40 can be implemented in a wireless device that can include a determining circuit, a selecting circuit, and a providing circuit. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that a wireless device can have more components than the simplified wireless device described herein. The wireless device described herein includes only those components useful for describing some prominent features of implementations within the scope of the claims.

The determining circuit can be configured to determine allocations for the plurality of channels. The determining circuit can include one or more of the receiver 212 (FIG. 2), the transceiver 216 (FIG. 2), the processor 204 (FIG. 2), the DSP 220 (FIG. 2), and the memory 206 (FIG. 2). In some implementations, means for determining can include the determining circuit.

The selecting circuit can be configured to selecting the tone plan for wireless communication of the wireless message. In an embodiment, the selecting circuit can be configured to implement block 4020 of the flowchart 4000 (FIG. 40). The selecting circuit can include one or more of the DSP 220 (FIG. 2), the processor 204 (FIG. 2), and the memory 206 (FIG. 2). In some implementations, means for selecting can include the selecting circuit.

The providing circuit can be configured to provide the wireless message for transmission according to the selected tone plan. In an embodiment, the providing circuit can be configured to implement block 4030 of the flowchart 4000 (FIG. 40). The providing circuit can include one or more of the transmitter 210 (FIG. 2), the transceiver 214 (FIG. 2), the processor 204 (FIG. 2), the DSP 220 (FIG. 2), and the memory 206 (FIG. 2). In some implementations, means for providing can include the providing circuit.

FIG. 41 shows upper bounds for 32-tone, 2.5 MHz tone plans according to various embodiments. Generally, these tone allocations may be transmitted to a user as a part of a larger transmission, such as a 20 MHz or larger transmission. For example, a single user may be allocated 2.5 MHz out of a 20 MHz transmission. Accordingly, it would be desirable to determine how many data tones a user may have when allocated 2.5 MHz.

In a 20 MHz OFDMA transmission, the number of data tones in a 2.5 MHz portion when there are 3 DC tones may be Floor(234/8)=29. In this calculation, 234 is the upper bound of Ndata in a 20 MHz transmission with 3 DC tones, as shown in FIG. 34. Accordingly, each of the eight 2.5 MHz portions of the 20 MHz transmission may have up to one-eighth, rounded down, data tones. In a 20 MHz OFDMA transmission, the number of data tones in a 2.5 MHz portion when there are 5 DC tones may be Floor(232/8)=29. In a 20 MHz OFDMA transmission, the number of data tones in a 2.5 MHz portion when there are 7 DC tones may be Floor(230/8)=28.

In a 40 MHz OFDMA transmission, the number of data tones in a 2.5 MHz portion when there are 3 DC tones may be Floor(488/16)=30. In a 40 MHz OFDMA transmission, the number of data tones in a 2.5 MHz portion when there are 5 DC tones may be Floor(486/16)=30. In a 40 MHz OFDMA transmission, the number of data tones in a 2.5 MHz portion when there are 7 DC tones may be Floor(484/16)=30. In a 40 MHz OFDMA transmission, the number of data tones in a 2.5 MHz portion when there are 11 DC tones may be Floor(480/16)=30.

In a 80 or 160 MHz OFDMA transmission, the number of data tones in a 2.5 MHz portion when there are 3 DC tones may be Floor(998/32)=31. In a 80 or 160 MHz OFDMA transmission, the number of data tones in a 2.5 MHz portion when there are 5 DC tones may be Floor(996/32)=31. In a 80 or 160 MHz OFDMA transmission, the number of data tones in a 2.5 MHz portion when there are 7 DC tones may be Floor(994/32)=31. In a 80 or 160 MHz OFDMA transmission, the number of data tones in a 2.5 MHz portion when there are 11 DC tones may be Floor(990/32)=30. Accordingly, the unified upper bound for a 64-tone transmission may be 31 data tones. This is the highest number of data tones possible, in any of the listed configurations.

Generally, when a single device is assigned a 2.5 MHz portion of a transmission, that device may receive data tones from one 32-tone portion of the spectrum. Accordingly, interleaver parameters for a number of data tones provided to the device in that portion may be desired.

FIG. 42 is a chart illustrating candidate interleaver parameters for different numbers of data tones, according to a 32-tone plan embodiment. In a particular embodiment, the interleaver depth (e.g., the number of columns (Ncol)) can be a factor of the number of data tones (Ndata). In various embodiments, a 20 data tone block can have an interleaver depth of 2, 4, 5, or 10. In various embodiments, a 22 data tone block can have an interleaver depth of 2 or 11. In various embodiments, a 26 data tone block can have an interleaver depth of 2 or 13. In various embodiments, a 28 data tone block can have an interleaver depth of 2, 4, 7, or 14.

A frequency rotation can be applied to the spatial streams if there is more than one spatial stream. The frequency rotation can be based on a base subcarrier rotation (NROT) and a rotation index. The base subcarrier rotation (NROT) and the rotation index can be based on the number of data tones (Ndata) and the number of spatial streams (Nss).

For example, if the data tone block has 4 or less spatial streams (Nss), the base subcarrier rotation (NROT) can be any of 1-17. The rotation index (e.g., the 6th column) can be a bit reversal of [0 2 1 3] in this scenario. Alternatively, if the data tone block has more than 4 spatial streams (Nss), the base subcarrier rotation (NROT) can be any of 1-14. The rotation index (e.g., the 7th column) can be a bit reversal of [0 4 2 6 1 5 3 7] in some embodiments, or the rotation index can be chosen to maximize (or increase) an average subcarrier distance of adjacent streams in other embodiments (e.g., [0 5 2 7 3 6 1 4]). Although a rotation index of [0 5 2 7 3 6 1 4] is used herein as one example of an index maximizing average subcarrier distance, any other rotation indexes that maximizes (or increases) average subcarrier distance can be used. For example, any permutation which maximizes the average subcarrier distance of adjacent streams may be used, and [0 5 2 7 3 6 1 4] is only one example.

FIG. 43 shows exemplary sub-band formation using multiple allocations, according to various embodiments. In particular, FIG. 43 shows how 2.5, 5, 7.5, 10, 12.5, 15, 17.5, and/or 20 MHz sub-bands can be formed from two or more separate allocations selected from 2.5 MHz sub-bands. For example, a 5 MHz sub-band can be formed by multiple allocation of two 2.5 MHz sub-bands, having a 40, 44, 48, 52, 56, or 60-tone plan formed using a two 20, 22, 24, 26, 28, or 30-tone plans, respectively. As another example, a 7.5 MHz sub-band can be formed by multiple allocation of three 2.5 MHz sub-bands, having a 60, 66, 72, 78, 84, or 90-tone plan formed using a two 20, 22, 24, 26, 28, or 30-tone plans, respectively.

As another example, a 10 MHz sub-band can be formed by multiple allocation of four 2.5 MHz sub-bands, having a 80, 88, 96, 104, 112, or 120-tone plan formed using a four 20, 22, 24, 26, 28, or 30-tone plans, respectively. As another example, a 12.5 MHz sub-band can be formed by multiple allocation of five 2.5 MHz sub-bands, having a 100, 110, 120, 130, 140, or 150-tone plan formed using a five 20, 22, 24, 26, 28, or 30-tone plans, respectively. As another example, a 15 MHz sub-band can be formed by multiple allocation of six 2.5 MHz sub-bands, having a 120, 132, 144, 156, 168, or 180-tone plan formed using a six 20, 22, 24, 26, 28, or 30-tone plans, respectively.

As another example, a 17.5 MHz sub-band can be formed by multiple allocation of seven 2.5 MHz sub-bands, having a 140, 154, 168, 182, 196, or 210-tone plan formed using a two 20, 22, 24, 26, 28, or 30-tone plans, respectively. As another example, a 20 MHz sub-band can be formed by multiple allocation of two 2.5 MHz sub-bands, having a 160, 176, 192, 208, 224, or 240-tone plan formed using a two 20, 22, 24, 26, 28, or 30-tone plans, respectively.

Although FIG. 43 shows exemplary tone plan configurations, in various embodiments, tone plans for sub-bands can be determined according to any combination of one or more of the following criteria: an upper bound based on whether the sub-band is a SU bandwidth or an OFDMA bandwidth for a specific total bandwidth, a number of DC tones based on a CFO parameter, a number of guard tones based on a DL/UL spectral mask parameter and/or minimization of interference between STAs in UL, and a number of pilot tones based on a sufficient pilot tone parameter for each DL/UL OFDMA user. Accordingly, a number of leftover tones desired can be determined, and Ndata chosen based on the upper bound minus the desired leftover tones.

FIG. 44 is a chart showing exemplary data tone choices for the sub-band formation using multiple allocations of FIG. 43, according to various embodiments. As shown, Ndata for each of the 5, 7.5, 10, 12.5, 15, 17.5, and 20 MHz sub-bands is a multiple of Ndata for the basic tone plan chosen for the 2.5 MHz sub-band.

Forming Tone Plans by Multiple Allocations

As discussed above, tone plans can be formed via combinations of multiple allocation units, which can also be referred to herein as resource units (RUs), allocations, or tone allocation units (TAUs). In general, total bandwidth (BW_(total)) can be formed using X (BW₁+BW₂+ . . . +BW_(x)). The number of data tones N_(data) can be determined as the number of data tones for BW_(total). For example, N_(data) can be determined by summing the data tones for each allocation unit (e.g., N_(data)=N_(data1)+N_(data2)+ . . . +N_(dataX), where N_(data) _(—) _(i) is the number of data tones for BW_(i)). Similarly, the number of pilot tones N_(pilot) can be determined as the number of pilot tones for BW_(total). For example, N_(pilot) can be determined by summing the data tones for each allocation unit (e.g., N_(pilot)=N_(pilot1)+N_(pilot2)+ . . . +N_(pilotX), where N_(piloti) is the number of pilot tones for BW_(i)).

Each sub-band of 5, 7.5, 10, 12.5, 15, 17.5, and/or 20 MHz can be formed from the combination of 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, or 8 allocation units, respectively, each of 2.5 MHz and including 32 FFT tones. Each sub-band of 15, 25, 30, 45, 50, 60, 85, 90, 100, and/or 120 MHz can be formed from the combination of two allocation units, each choosing from a 5, 10, 20, 40, 80 MHz allocation and tone plan. Each sub-band of 140 MHz can be formed from the combination of three allocation units, each choosing from a 5, 10, 20, 40, 80 MHz allocation and tone plan.

In some embodiments, each allocation unit of BW_(i) can be encoded independently. In such embodiments, total MCS exclusions (MCS_exclusions_total) can be determined as the union of the set of all excluded combinations of MCS and number of data streams for each BW (MCS_exclusions_BW). In other words, MCS_exclusions total can be determined as the union of MCS_exclusions_BW_(—)1 through MCS_exclusions_BW_X. MCS_exclusions_BW_i can be determined as the set of excluded combinations of MCS and number of data streams for the number of data tones associated with BW_i (N_(data) _(—) _(i)).

In some embodiments, all allocation units of one user can be encoded jointly. In such embodiments, total MCS exclusions (MCS_exclusions_total) can be determined as the set of excluded combinations of MCS and number of data streams for the number of data tones (N_(data) _(—) _(i)).

In various embodiments, each allocation unit can be interleaved independently according to the number of data tones N_(data) _(—) _(i), and the associated BCC interleaving depth N_(COL) and LDPC tone mapping distance D_(TM). Accordingly, at the receiver, each allocation unit can be deinterleaved independently according to the same criteria.

FIG. 45 shows a flowchart 4500 of an exemplary method of wireless communication that can be employed within the wireless communication system 100 of FIG. 1. The method can be implemented in whole or in part by the devices described herein, such as the AP 104 (FIG. 1), any of the STAs 106A-106D (FIG. 1), the wireless device 202 shown in FIG. 2, the devices 1010, 1020, 1030, or 1040 (FIG. 16), or the devices of system 1100 (FIG. 17). Although the illustrated method is described herein with reference to the wireless communication system 100 discussed above with respect to FIG. 1, the wireless device 202 discussed above with respect to FIG. 2, the system 1000 of FIG. 16, and the system 1100 of FIG. 17, a person having ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the illustrated method can be implemented by another device described herein, or any other suitable device. Although the illustrated method is described herein with reference to a particular order, in various embodiments, blocks herein can be performed in a different order, or omitted, and additional blocks can be added.

First, at block 4510, a wireless device allocates a first allocation unit associated with a first tone plan having a first number of tones, for communication of one or more wireless messages by a wireless device. For example, the AP 104 allocate an allocation unit to the STA 106A. For example, the STA 106A can receive an allocation for a 64-tone allocation unit for a 5 MHz sub-band.

Next, at block 4520, the wireless device allocates a second allocation unit, associated with a second tone plan having a second number of tones different from the first number of tones, for communication of one or more wireless messages by the wireless device. For example, the AP 104 allocate an allocation unit to the STA 106A. For example, the STA 106B can receive an allocation for a 128-tone allocation unit for a 10 MHz sub-band. As another example, the STA 106A can receive an allocation for a 128-tone allocation unit for a 10 MHz sub-band.

In various embodiments, the first allocation unit has one of 24, 48, 102, 234, 468, or 980 data tones, and the second allocation unit has one of 24, 48, 102, 234, 468, or 980 data tones. In various embodiments, the first allocation unit has one of 26, 52, 106, 242, 484, or 996 total tones, and the second allocation unit has one of 26, 52, 106, 242, 484, or 996 total tones. In general, each allocation unit can be formed according to any allocation discussed herein, for example with respect to FIG. 39.

Then, at block 4530, the wireless device selects a combined tone plan for the wireless device based on at least the first tone plan and the second tone plan. For example, the AP 104 an/or the STA 106A can select a 192-tone plan associated with a 15 MHz bandwidth based on the 64-tone plan and 128-tone plan of the 5 MHz and 10 MHz sub-bands, respectively. In various embodiments, tone plans can be associated with sub-channel allocations in accordance with FIG. 39, or any other disclosure herein.

In various embodiments, selecting the combined tone plan can include selecting a combination of two or more 26-, 52-, 106-, 242-, 484-, and 996-tone allocation units. Selecting the combined tone plan can further include selecting a tone plan having one of 150, 282, 336, 516, 570, 702, 1028, 1082, 1214, 1448, or 1682 data tones as the combined tone plan based on the selected combination. For example, the AP 104 can select a 64-tone plan for combination with a 128-tone plan and form a 192-tone plan. As another example, the AP 104 can select the 192-tone plan based on the 64-tone plan combined with the 128-tone plan.

In various embodiments, selecting the combined tone plan can include selecting at least one of: a tone plan having 150 data tones based on a 52-tone allocation unit combined with a 106-tone allocation unit, a tone plan having 282 data tones based on a 52-tone allocation unit combined with a 242-tone allocation unit, a tone plan having 336 data tones based on a 106-tone allocation unit combined with a 242-tone allocation unit, a tone plan having 516 data tones based on a 52-tone allocation unit combined with a 484-tone allocation unit, a tone plan having 570 data tones based on a 106-tone allocation unit combined with a 484-tone allocation unit, a tone plan having 702 data tones based on a 242-tone allocation unit combined with a 484-tone allocation unit, a tone plan having 1028 data tones based on a 52-tone allocation unit combined with a 996-tone allocation unit, a tone plan having 1082 data tones based on a 106-tone allocation unit combined with a 996-tone allocation unit, a tone plan having 1214 data tones based on a 242-tone allocation unit combined with a 996-tone allocation unit, a tone plan having 1448 data tones based on a 484-tone allocation unit combined with a 996-tone allocation unit, or a tone plan having 1682 data tones based on a 242-tone allocation unit combined with a 484-tone allocation unit and a 996-tone allocation unit.

In various embodiments, selecting the combined tone plan can include selecting a multiple of 26-tone allocation units. In various embodiments, each 26-tone allocation unit can have 24 data tones. In various embodiments, the multiple can be any of 1×, 2×, 3×, 4×, 5×, 6×, 7×, and 8×.

In various embodiments, selecting the combined tone plan can include at least one of: selecting a 64-tone plan based on a combination of two 26-tone allocation units for transmission over a 5 MHz bandwidth; selecting a 96-tone plan based on a combination of three 26-tone allocation units for transmission over a 7.5 MHz bandwidth; selecting a 128-tone plan based on a combination of four 26-tone allocation units for transmission over a 10 MHz bandwidth; selecting a 160-tone plan based on a combination of five 26-tone allocation units for transmission over a 12.5 MHz bandwidth; selecting a 192-tone plan based on a combination of six 26-tone allocation units for transmission over a 15 MHz bandwidth; selecting a 224-tone plan based on a combination of seven 26-tone allocation units for transmission over a 17.5 MHz bandwidth; and selecting a 256-tone plan based on a combination of eight 26-tone allocation units for transmission over a 20 MHz bandwidth.

Then, at block 4540, the wireless device provides the wireless message for transmission by the wireless device according to the combined tone plan. For example, the AP 104 can transmit the wireless message over 15 MHz in accordance with the 192-tone plan, as a result of combining the 64-tone plan of the 5 MHz sub-band with the 128-tone plan of the 10 MHz sub-band.

In various embodiments, providing the wireless message for transmission can include providing the wireless message for transmission over one of a 15 MHz, 25 MHz, 30 MHz, 45 MHz, 50 MHz, 60 MHz, 85 MHz, 90 MHz, 100 MHz, 120 MHz, or 140 MHz channel according to one of 192-, 320-, 384-, 576-, 640-, 768-, 1088, 1152-, 1280-, 1536-, or 1792-tone plan.

In various embodiments, providing the wireless message for transmission can include separately encoding data over each allocated channel according to an associated tone plan. For example, the AP 104 can separately encode a 52-tone allocation unit (having 48 data tones) and a 106-tone allocation unit (having 102 data tones), which together utilize a 192-tone combined tone plan.

In various embodiments, providing the wireless message for transmission can include separately interleaving data over each allocated channel according to an associated tone plan. For example, the AP 104 can separately interleave a 52-tone allocation unit (having 48 data tones) and a 106-tone allocation unit (having 102 data tones), which together utilize a 192-tone combined tone plan.

In various embodiments, providing the wireless message for transmission can include jointly encoding data, over all allocated channels of one user, according to an associated tone plan, and independently interleaving the first allocation unit and the second allocation unit.

In various embodiments, the method can further include allocating a third allocation unit, associated with a third tone plan, for communication of one or more wireless messages by the wireless device. Selecting the combined tone plan can be further based on the third tone plan.

In various embodiments, selecting the combined tone plan can include forming the combined tone plan by setting a number of data tones to a sum of all data tones included in the first allocation unit, the second allocation unit, and any other allocation units allocated to the wireless device, setting a number of pilot tones to a sum of all pilot tones included in the first allocation unit, the second allocation unit, and any other allocation units allocated to the wireless device, and separately encoding and/or interleaving the first allocation unit and the second allocation unit according to a binary convolution code interleaving depth (NCOL) and low-density parity check tone mapping distance (DTM).

In various embodiments, selecting the combined tone plan can include forming the combined tone plan by setting a number of data tones to a sum of all data tones included in the first allocation unit, the second allocation unit, and any other allocation units allocated to the wireless device, setting a number of pilot tones to a sum of all pilot tones included in the first allocation unit, the second allocation unit, and any other allocation units allocated to the wireless device, and jointly encoding and interleaving over the first allocation unit, the second allocation unit, and any other allocation units allocated to the wireless device.

In various embodiments, the method can further include receiving another message over the plurality of allocated channels according to the combined tone plan. For example, both the AP 104 and the STA 106A can transmit, receive, or both, according to the allocated channels and selected tone plan(s).

In various embodiments, the wireless device comprises an access point (such as, for example, the AP 104 of FIG. 1). In various embodiments, providing the wireless message for transmission comprises transmitting the wireless message through a transmitter (for example, the transmitter 210 of FIG. 2) and an antenna (for example, the antenna 216 of FIG. 2) of the access point to a mobile station (for example, the STA 106A) served by the access point. In other embodiments, the method is performed on a mobile station (for example, the STA 106A).

In an embodiment, the methods shown in FIG. 45 can be implemented in a wireless device that can include an allocating circuit, a selecting circuit, and a providing circuit. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that a wireless device can have more components than the simplified wireless device described herein. The wireless device described herein includes only those components useful for describing some prominent features of implementations within the scope of the claims.

The allocating circuit can be configured to allocate allocation units. In various embodiments, the allocating circuit can be configured to implement at least one of block 4510 and 4520 of the flowchart 4500 (FIG. 45). The allocating circuit can include one or more of the transmitter 210 (FIG. 2), the transceiver 216 (FIG. 2), the processor 204 (FIG. 2), the DSP 220 (FIG. 2), and the memory 206 (FIG. 2). In some implementations, means for allocating can include the allocating circuit.

The selecting circuit can be configured to selecting the combined tone plan for wireless communication of the wireless message. In an embodiment, the selecting circuit can be configured to implement block 4530 of the flowchart 4500 (FIG. 45). The selecting circuit can include one or more of the DSP 220 (FIG. 2), the processor 204 (FIG. 2), and the memory 206 (FIG. 2). In some implementations, means for selecting can include the selecting circuit.

The providing circuit can be configured to provide the wireless message for transmission according to the selected tone plan. In an embodiment, the providing circuit can be configured to implement block 4530 of the flowchart 4500 (FIG. 45). The providing circuit can include one or more of the transmitter 210 (FIG. 2), the transceiver 214 (FIG. 2), the processor 204 (FIG. 2), the DSP 220 (FIG. 2), and the memory 206 (FIG. 2). In some implementations, means for providing can include the providing circuit.

A person/one having ordinary skill in the art would understand that information and signals can be represented using any of a variety of different technologies and techniques. For example, data, instructions, commands, information, signals, bits, symbols, and chips that can be referenced throughout the above description can be represented by voltages, currents, electromagnetic waves, magnetic fields or particles, optical fields or particles, or any combination thereof.

Various modifications to the implementations described in this disclosure can be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the generic principles defined herein can be applied to other implementations without departing from the spirit or scope of this disclosure. Thus, the disclosure is not intended to be limited to the implementations shown herein, but is to be accorded the widest scope consistent with the claims, the principles and the novel features disclosed herein. The word “exemplary” is used exclusively herein to mean “serving as an example, instance, or illustration.” Any implementation described herein as “exemplary” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other implementations.

Certain features that are described in this specification in the context of separate implementations also can be implemented in combination in a single implementation. Conversely, various features that are described in the context of a single implementation also can be implemented in multiple implementations separately or in any suitable sub-combination. Moreover, although features can be described above as acting in certain combinations and even initially claimed as such, one or more features from a claimed combination can in some cases be excised from the combination, and the claimed combination can be directed to a sub-combination or variation of a sub-combination.

As used herein, a phrase referring to “at least one of” a list of items refers to any combination of those items, including single members. As an example, “at least one of: a, b, or c” is intended to cover: a, b, c, a-b, a-c, b-c, and a-b-c. Similarly, “a or b” is intended to cover any of: a, b, and a-b.

The various operations of methods described above can be performed by any suitable means capable of performing the operations, such as various hardware and/or software component(s), circuits, and/or module(s). Generally, any operations illustrated in the Figures can be performed by corresponding functional means capable of performing the operations.

The various illustrative logical blocks, modules and circuits described in connection with the present disclosure can be implemented or performed with a general purpose processor, a digital signal processor (DSP), an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field programmable gate array signal (FPGA) or other programmable logic device (PLD), discrete gate or transistor logic, discrete hardware components or any combination thereof designed to perform the functions described herein. A general purpose processor can be a microprocessor, but in the alternative, the processor can be any commercially available processor, controller, microcontroller or state machine. A processor can also be implemented as a combination of computing devices, e.g., a combination of a DSP and a microprocessor, a plurality of microprocessors, one or more microprocessors in conjunction with a DSP core, or any other such configuration.

In one or more aspects, the functions described can be implemented in hardware, software, firmware, or any combination thereof. If implemented in software, the functions can be stored on or transmitted over as one or more instructions or code on a computer-readable medium. Computer-readable media includes both computer storage media and communication media including any medium that facilitates transfer of a computer program from one place to another. A storage media can be any available media that can be accessed by a computer. By way of example, and not limitation, such computer-readable media can comprise RAM, ROM, EEPROM, CD-ROM or other optical disk storage, magnetic disk storage or other magnetic storage devices, or any other medium that can be used to carry or store desired program code in the form of instructions or data structures and that can be accessed by a computer. Also, any connection is properly termed a computer-readable medium. For example, if the software is transmitted from a web site, server, or other remote source using a coaxial cable, fiber optic cable, twisted pair, digital subscriber line (DSL), or wireless technologies such as infrared, radio, and microwave, then the coaxial cable, fiber optic cable, twisted pair, DSL, or wireless technologies such as infrared, radio, and microwave are included in the definition of medium. Disk and disc, as used herein, includes compact disc (CD), laser disc, optical disc, digital versatile disc (DVD), floppy disk and Blu-ray disc where disks usually reproduce data magnetically, while discs reproduce data optically with lasers. Thus, in some aspects computer readable medium can comprise non-transitory computer readable medium (e.g., tangible media). In addition, in some aspects computer readable medium can comprise transitory computer readable medium (e.g., a signal). Combinations of the above should also be included within the scope of computer-readable media.

The methods disclosed herein comprise one or more steps or actions for achieving the described method. The method steps and/or actions can be interchanged with one another without departing from the scope of the claims. In other words, unless a specific order of steps or actions is specified, the order and/or use of specific steps and/or actions can be modified without departing from the scope of the claims.

Further, it should be appreciated that modules and/or other appropriate means for performing the methods and techniques described herein can be downloaded and/or otherwise obtained by a user terminal and/or base station as applicable. For example, such a device can be coupled to a server to facilitate the transfer of means for performing the methods described herein. Alternatively, various methods described herein can be provided via storage means (e.g., RAM, ROM, a physical storage medium such as a compact disc (CD) or floppy disk, etc.), such that a user terminal and/or base station can obtain the various methods upon coupling or providing the storage means to the device. Moreover, any other suitable technique for providing the methods and techniques described herein to a device can be utilized.

While the foregoing is directed to aspects of the present disclosure, other and further aspects of the disclosure can be devised without departing from the basic scope thereof, and the scope thereof is determined by the claims that follow. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A method of wireless communication, comprising: allocating a first allocation unit associated with a first tone plan having a first number of tones, for communication of one or more wireless messages by a wireless device; allocating a second allocation unit, associated with a second tone plan having a second number of tones different from the first number of tones, for communication of one or more wireless messages by the wireless device; selecting a combined tone plan for the wireless device based on at least the first tone plan and the second tone plan; and providing a wireless message for transmission by the wireless device according to the combined tone plan.
 2. The method of claim 1, further comprising allocating a third allocation unit, associated with a third tone plan, for communication of one or more wireless messages by the wireless device, wherein said selecting the combined tone plan is further based on the third tone plan.
 3. The method of claim 1, wherein the first allocation unit has one of 24, 48, 102, 234, 468, or 980 data tones, and the second allocation unit has one of 24, 48, 102, 234, 468, or 980 data tones.
 4. The method of claim 1, wherein the first allocation unit has one of 26, 52, 106, 242, 484, or 996 total tones, and the second allocation unit has one of 26, 52, 106, 242, 484, or 996 total tones.
 5. The method of claim 1, wherein selecting the combined tone plan comprises: selecting a combination of two or more 26-, 52-, 106-, 242-, 484-, and 996-tone allocation units; and selecting a tone plan having one of 150, 282, 336, 516, 570, 702, 1028, 1082, 1214, 1448, or 1682 data tones as the combined tone plan based on the selected combination.
 6. The method of claim 1, wherein selecting the combined tone plan comprises selecting at least one of: a tone plan having 150 data tones based on a 52-tone allocation unit combined with a 106-tone allocation unit; a tone plan having 282 data tones based on a 52-tone allocation unit combined with a 242-tone allocation unit; a tone plan having 336 data tones based on a 106-tone allocation unit combined with a 242-tone allocation unit; a tone plan having 516 data tones based on a 52-tone allocation unit combined with a 484-tone allocation unit; a tone plan having 570 data tones based on a 106-tone allocation unit combined with a 484-tone allocation unit; a tone plan having 702 data tones based on a 242-tone allocation unit combined with a 484-tone allocation unit; a tone plan having 1028 data tones based on a 52-tone allocation unit combined with a 996-tone allocation unit; a tone plan having 1082 data tones based on a 106-tone allocation unit combined with a 996-tone allocation unit; a tone plan having 1214 data tones based on a 242-tone allocation unit combined with a 996-tone allocation unit; a tone plan having 1448 data tones based on a 484-tone allocation unit combined with a 996-tone allocation unit; or a tone plan having 1682 data tones based on a 242-tone allocation unit combined with a 484-tone allocation unit and a 996-tone allocation unit.
 7. The method of claim 1, wherein providing the wireless message comprises providing the wireless message for transmission over one of a 15 MHz, 25 MHz, 30 MHz, 45 MHz, 50 MHz, 60 MHz, 85 MHz, 90 MHz, 100 MHz, 120 MHz, or 140 MHz channel according to one of a 192-, 320-, 384-, 576-, 640-, 768-, 1088, 1152-, 1280-, 1536-, or 1792-tone plan.
 8. The method of claim 1, wherein providing the wireless message for transmission comprises separately encoding or interleaving data over the first allocation unit and the second allocation unit according to the first tone plan and the second tone plan.
 9. The method of claim 1, wherein providing the wireless message for transmission comprises jointly encoding data, over both the first allocation unit and the second allocation unit allocated to one user, according to the combined tone plan, and independently interleaving the first allocation unit and the second allocation unit.
 10. The method of claim 1, wherein selecting the combined tone plan comprises forming the combined tone plan by: setting a number of data tones to a sum of all data tones included in the first allocation unit, the second allocation unit, and any other allocation units allocated to the wireless device; setting a number of pilot tones to a sum of all pilot tones included in the first allocation unit, the second allocation unit, and any other allocation units allocated to the wireless device; and separately encoding or interleaving the first allocation unit and the second allocation unit according to a binary convolution code interleaving depth (NCOL) and low-density parity check tone mapping distance (DTM).
 11. The method of claim 1, wherein selecting the combined tone plan comprises forming the combined tone plan by: setting a number of data tones to a sum of all data tones included in the first allocation unit, the second allocation unit, and any other allocation units allocated to the wireless device; setting a number of pilot tones to a sum of all pilot tones included in the first allocation unit, the second allocation unit, and any other allocation units allocated to the wireless device; and jointly encoding and interleaving data over the first allocation unit, the second allocation unit, and any other allocation units allocated to the wireless device.
 12. The method of claim 1, wherein the wireless device comprises an access point, and wherein providing the wireless message for transmission comprises transmitting the wireless message through a transmitter and an antenna of the access point to a mobile station served by the access point.
 13. The method of claim 1, wherein the wireless device comprises a mobile station, and wherein providing the wireless message for transmission comprises transmitting the message through a transmitter and an antenna of the mobile station to an access point serving the mobile station.
 14. An apparatus configured to wirelessly communicate, comprising: a memory that stores instructions; and a processing system coupled with the memory and configured to execute the instructions to: allocate a first allocation unit associated with a first tone plan having a first number of tones, for communication of one or more wireless messages by a wireless device; allocate a second allocation unit, associated with a second tone plan having a second number of tones different from the first number of tones, for communication of one or more wireless messages by the wireless device; select a combined tone plan for the wireless device based on at least the first tone plan and the second tone plan; and provide a wireless message for transmission by the wireless device according to the combined tone plan.
 15. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein the processing system is further configured to further allocate a third allocation unit, associated with a third tone plan, for communication of one or more wireless messages by the wireless device, and to select the combined tone plan further based on the third tone plan.
 16. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein the first allocation unit has one of 24, 48, 102, 234, 468, or 980 data tones, and the second allocation unit has one of 24, 48, 102, 234, 468, or 980 data tones.
 17. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein the first allocation unit has one of 26, 52, 106, 242, 484, or 996 total tones, and the second allocation unit has one of 26, 52, 106, 242, 484, or 996 total tones.
 18. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein the processing system is configured to select the combined tone plan by: selecting a combination of two or more 26-, 52-, 106-, 242-, 484-, and 996-tone allocation units; and selecting a tone plan having one of 150, 282, 336, 516, 570, 702, 1028, 1082, 1214, 1448, or 1682 data tones as the combined tone plan based on the selected combination.
 19. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein the processing system is configured to select the combined tone plan by selecting at least one of: a tone plan having 150 data tones based on a 52-tone allocation unit combined with a 106-tone allocation unit; a tone plan having 282 data tones based on a 52-tone allocation unit combined with a 242-tone allocation unit; a tone plan having 336 data tones based on a 106-tone allocation unit combined with a 242-tone allocation unit; a tone plan having 516 data tones based on a 52-tone allocation unit combined with a 484-tone allocation unit; a tone plan having 570 data tones based on a 106-tone allocation unit combined with a 484-tone allocation unit; a tone plan having 702 data tones based on a 242-tone allocation unit combined with a 484-tone allocation unit; a tone plan having 1028 data tones based on a 52-tone allocation unit combined with a 996-tone allocation unit; a tone plan having 1082 data tones based on a 106-tone allocation unit combined with a 996-tone allocation unit; a tone plan having 1214 data tones based on a 242-tone allocation unit combined with a 996-tone allocation unit; a tone plan having 1448 data tones based on a 484-tone allocation unit combined with a 996-tone allocation unit; or a tone plan having 1682 data tones based on a 242-tone allocation unit combined with a 484-tone allocation unit and a 996-tone allocation unit.
 20. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein providing the wireless message for transmission comprises providing the wireless message for transmission over one of a 15 MHz, 25 MHz, 30 MHz, 45 MHz, 50 MHz, 60 MHz, 85 MHz, 90 MHz, 100 MHz, 120 MHz, or 140 MHz channel according to one of 192-, 320-, 384-, 576-, 640-, 768-, 1088, 1152-, 1280-, 1536-, or 1792-tone plan.
 21. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein the processing system is configured to provide the wireless message for transmission by separately encoding or interleaving data over the first allocation unit and the second allocation unit according to the first tone plan and the second tone plan.
 22. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein the processing system is configured to provide the wireless message for transmission by jointly encoding data, over both the first allocation unit and the second allocation unit allocated to one user, according to an associated tone plan, and independently interleaving the first allocation unit and the second allocation unit.
 23. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein the processing system is configured to select the combined tone plan by: forming the combined tone plan by setting a number of data tones to a sum of all data tones included in the first allocation unit, the second allocation unit, and any other allocation units allocated to the wireless device; setting a number of pilot tones to a sum of all pilot tones included in the first allocation unit, the second allocation unit, and any other allocation units allocated to the wireless device; and separately encoding or interleaving the first allocation unit and the second allocation unit according to a binary convolution code interleaving depth (NCOL) and low-density parity check tone mapping distance (DTM).
 24. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein the processing system is configured to select the combined tone plan by forming the combined tone plan by: setting a number of data tones to a sum of all data tones included in the first allocation unit, the second allocation unit, and any other allocation units allocated to the wireless device; setting a number of pilot tones to a sum of all pilot tones included in the first allocation unit, the second allocation unit, and any other allocation units allocated to the wireless device; and jointly encoding and interleaving over the first allocation unit, the second allocation unit, and any other allocation units allocated to the wireless device.
 25. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein the apparatus comprises an access point, the apparatus further comprising a transmitter and an antenna configured to transmit the wireless message to a mobile station served by the access point.
 26. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein the apparatus comprises a mobile station, the apparatus further comprising a transmitter and an antenna configured to transmit the wireless message to an access point serving the mobile station.
 27. An apparatus for wireless communication, comprising: means for allocating a first allocation unit associated with a first tone plan having a first number of tones, for communication of one or more wireless messages by a wireless device; means for allocating a second allocation unit, associated with a second tone plan having a second number of tones different from the first number of tones, for communication of one or more wireless messages by the wireless device; means for selecting a combined tone plan for the wireless device based on at least the first tone plan and the second tone plan; and means for providing a wireless message for transmission by the wireless device according to the combined tone plan.
 28. The apparatus of claim 27, wherein the first allocation unit has one of 24, 48, 102, 234, 468, or 980 data tones, and the second allocation unit has one of 24, 48, 102, 234, 468, or 980 data tones, and wherein the first allocation unit has one of 26, 52, 106, 242, 484, or 996 total tones, and the second allocation unit has one of 26, 52, 106, 242, 484, or 996 total tones.
 29. The apparatus of claim 27, wherein means for selecting the combined tone plan comprises: means for selecting a combination of two or more 26-, 52-, 106-, 242-, 484-, and 996-tone allocation units; and means for selecting a tone plan having one of 150, 282, 336, 516, 570, 702, 1028, 1082, 1214, 1448, or 1682 data tones as the combined tone plan based on the selected combination.
 30. A non-transitory computer-readable medium comprising code that, when executed, causes an apparatus to: allocate a first allocation unit associated with a first tone plan having a first number of tones, for communication of one or more wireless messages by a wireless device; allocate a second allocation unit, associated with a second tone plan having a second number of tones different from the first number of tones, for communication of one or more wireless messages by the wireless device; select a combined tone plan for the wireless device based on at least the first tone plan and the second tone plan; and provide a wireless message for transmission by the wireless device according to the combined tone plan. 